Manipur village that survived ethnic violence for last 10 months burned to the ground

Guwahati: Kwatha Khunou a Meitei village in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district which has withstood the fury of ethnic violence in the last 10 months was finally razed to the ground as the village was in flames.

A senior police official who does not want to be named ET, “The incident took place at around 10.30pm on Sunday, the village is along the India and Myanmar border. Houses, Primary School, and Health Sub-Center were set on ablaze. Security forces rushed to douse the fire however everything was in flames.”

The incident has attracted widespread outrage and condemnation, demanding immediate action to arrest the culprits and restore peace in the surrounding village. Political leaders, civic organizations and concerned citizens and the public affected parties united and claimed justice for the heinous act. Combined efforts are underway to provide emergency relief and assistance to the displaced Kwatha Khunou to assess the extent of the damage.


Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey in assembly stated recently that 219 persons lost their lives and displaced more than 60,000 people due to the violence. A total of about 10,000 FIRs have been registered so far and the state government handed over 29 cases to CBI and one case to NIA for independent and transparent investigation.

Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counter attacks and arsoning of houses, vehicles and government and private properties in more than 10 districts during and after May 3 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All-Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.