Fresh tension in Manipur after houses torched

Guwahati: Fresh tension gripped Manipur after four abandoned houses at Kanto Sabal in Leimakhong, Imphal West, were set on fire by unidentified miscreants on Saturday.

The incident triggered protests by local residents, who alleged that the arson took place despite the presence of security personnel in the area. An Army camp is located at Leimakhong.

A local resident, Thokchom Rebubala Devi, alleged that around 200 Kuki people descended from the nearby hills, entered parts of Kanto Sabal inhabited by Meiteis and set the abandoned houses ablaze before retreating. She claimed Meitei residents who tried to reach the spot were stopped by security forces.


The Manipur Police, however, said on X that on Friday, a mob of around 600 people attempted to advance towards Kanto Sabal but was stopped by security forces, preventing a possible communal clash. It said an attempt by miscreants to set fire to abandoned houses was swiftly contained, with no loss of life reported. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the government was taking all necessary steps to ensure justice in the Leilon Vaiphei abduction case. He said two identified suspects had already been arrested based on information provided by the victims' families.