Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Oct 18: At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki tribal community were reportedly burnt by suspected militants in Chassad village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, forcing civilians to flee their homes and take shelter in nearby forest areas and a security forces camp, officials and local sources said on Sunday.
The incident occurred late on Saturday night, following a gun attack in the village earlier in the day in which a Kuki civilian, identified as Seikhohao Haokip, was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries, according to reports.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence, expressing grief over Haokip’s death and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families. Describing the burning of houses as an intolerable crime, Kipgen said she had directed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilians and their property, and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
A police official said a joint column comprising the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to bring the situation under control.
In a separate incident at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians sustained bullet injuries in an attack reportedly involving rival armed groups. The injured were identified as T. Chithung, S. Malung and M. Shithung. They were admitted to Kamjong Hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable.
Both Chassad village and Kamjong district headquarters are located near the India-Myanmar border, a sensitive area that has witnessed security concerns amid tensions between armed groups.
According to local accounts, residents fled their homes fearing for their safety. Chassad Police Station reportedly received information about the incident on Sunday. A spot inquiry had not been conducted by the time of reporting, reportedly due to a shortage of personnel. The full extent of the damage caused by the arson, the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the identities of those involved remain unverified.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribals, said in a statement that the security situation in Kamjong district, particularly in Chassad village, had deteriorated alarmingly. Within just over a week, four Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed, exposing what the organisation described as the government’s failure to protect innocent lives.
The KZC questioned why cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) were reportedly allowed to operate freely in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Chandel districts, despite the ceasefire arrangement being understood to apply to Nagaland.
“The Government of India must clarify this situation and take immediate action to stop further attacks. An economic embargo is also reportedly preventing Kuki-Zo civilians in Kamjong from purchasing essential commodities,” the KZC said.
The tribal body demanded unrestricted access to essential supplies and the immediate deployment of Central security forces between the police station and Chassad village to protect civilians. It urged the governments of India and Manipur to ensure the safety of civilians, hold those responsible accountable, provide ex-gratia assistance to the bereaved families and compensate those whose houses had been burnt.
“The Kuki-Zo people are citizens of India and are entitled to equal protection under the Constitution. The government must act urgently to prevent further loss of life and ensure their safety and dignity,” the statement said.