Two held after mob torches 6 houses in Manipur; tensions escalate: Police

Two men were arrested after a mob torched six abandoned houses in Manipur's Kanto Sabal village, sparking tensions and prompting security forces to intervene to prevent a potential clash. The arrests were made by a joint team comprising Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Royal Armed Forces (RAF), and Army. The accused were identified as Kammang Lhouvum, 65, and Pagin Hangshing, 30. According to police, the incident occurred around 1.45 pm on Saturday in the Leimakhong area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sekmai police station in Imphal West. The houses targeted were reportedly abandoned since May 2023. Local officials stated that a large group of people, protesting against an inter-district economic blockade from Kangpokpi district, a region predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community, set the houses ablaze. The protest, which originated from the Kuki-dominated district, led to a confrontation between local residents attempting to extinguish the fires and central security forces. Three civilians sustained injuries during the encounter, according to people familiar with the situation. Residents subsequently staged a protest, accusing security forces of failing to prevent the arson despite being stationed nearby. They also raised concerns over why they were barred from accessing the site while the houses were being burned. However, those close to the matter noted that security forces managed to avert a larger communal clash by preventing a large group from advancing toward Kanto Sabal. The situation was brought under control before any further escalation of violence could occur. Authorities confirmed that attempts were made to ignite additional abandoned properties in the vicinity, but timely intervention by security personnel stopped the fires from spreading. No fatalities were reported in the incident. A case has been filed, and an ongoing investigation is being conducted into the matter. Security forces have issued appeals urging all communities to uphold peace, avoid spreading misinformation, and collaborate with authorities to preserve public order. A senior security official, who requested anonymity, disclosed that a joint search operation has been initiated in and around the Kanto Sabal area to identify and apprehend those involved in planning the attack. Civil society organizations have expressed criticism over how the incident was handled. Apunba Ima Lup member Sangeeta Keisham questioned the state government’s response, noting that despite recent efforts to retrieve weapons from the valley, attacks on Meitei settlements have persisted. She urged the chief minister and state home minister to ensure equitable enforcement of the law and provide adequate security for all communities. Imagi Meira president Th Sujata alleged that security personnel obstructed residents from reaching their homes during the arson and later used force to disperse protesters. She called upon both the state and central governments to guarantee impartial actions by all security agencies and demanded that those responsible for the violence face legal consequences. This latest incident occurs amidst ongoing efforts by authorities to restore stability in Manipur, where ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities have resulted in at least 260 deaths and displaced 60,000 people since May 2023. The Meitei, primarily Hindu, inhabit the Imphal valley, whereas the Kuki, mostly Christian, reside in the hill regions. Despite claims by the state government that there are no buffer zones separating these communities, the underlying tensions continue to fuel periodic outbreaks of violence.