Houses burn in Imphal West, security forces stop bigger clash
NEW DELHI: After months of relative calm, fresh violence has once again disturbed Manipur. Several abandoned houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were set on fire in Kanto Sabal village of Imphal West district, creating fear and raising concerns that the state’s fragile peace could be broken.
The incident quickly increased tension in the area, forcing security agencies to respond in large numbers. Officials said their timely action stopped the situation from turning into a much bigger communal clash. Two people have been arrested in connection with the arson and mob violence, while an investigation is continuing.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly criticised the incident and assured people that the government acted immediately to bring the situation under control.
According to a statement shared by the Chief Minister’s Office on its official X account, two accused have been arrested. One of them has been identified as KammangLhouvum, who is the Chief of Hengjang Village and also serves as the Chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee.
The Chief Minister said the administration responded without delay by controlling the crowd and deploying both the Manipur Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the affected area.
He also directed all security agencies stationed in the region to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
Chief Minister Singh expressed concern that the violence happened after a long period of peace in the state.
He described the incident as an attempt to disrupt the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur. According to him, certain groups with vested interests are trying to create unrest and weaken the peace process.
The government said it remains fully committed to maintaining law and order and preventing further violence.
Soon after the houses were set on fire, emotions ran high across nearby areas.
A senior police officer said nearly 600 men and women gathered and attempted to move towards Kanto Sabal. Security personnel quickly stepped in and blocked the crowd before it could reach the village.
Officials believe this action prevented a possible face-to-face confrontation that could have led to fresh communal violence.
Police also said some miscreants tried to burn additional abandoned houses, but security forces managed to stop the attempt before more damage was caused.
Importantly, authorities confirmed that no lives were lost during the incident.
Agencies