Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jan 27: Fresh tension gripped Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after multiple houses and temporary structures were set on fire, forcing security forces to launch operations in the affected area, officials said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at K. Songlung Part II village, about 23 km from Kangchup police station, in the tribal-dominated Kangpokpi district. Police said investigations are underway to ascertain responsibility for the arson.
According to residents, three houses and four makeshift huts were gutted in the blaze on Monday. A Gypsy vehicle was completely destroyed, while a Jeep and several other vehicles suffered partial damage. Stored paddy, food grains, gas cylinders and household items were also reduced to ashes.
Pro-Meitei organisations have alleged that suspected cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–Kamson) were behind the incident.
The arson drew sharp condemnation from the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC), which jointly denounced the burning of homes in broad daylight. The bodies said the incident spread fear among villagers and caused significant loss of property. They urged all communities to maintain calm, avoid inter-community violence, and refrain from circulating rumours or misleading information on social media.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the two organisations called on authorities to ensure immediate relief and justice.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) also strongly condemned the incident, noting that it took place on the day the country marked its 77th Republic Day. In a statement, the KZC described the arson as another grim reminder of ongoing violence and insecurity faced by the Kuki-Zo community, alleging that since May 3, 2023, over 7,000 houses have been burned and more than 150 lives lost.
The council further claimed that despite the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, targeted attacks continue, pointing to what it termed serious failures in governance and security.
According to the KZC, the ZUF (Kamson) has reportedly claimed responsibility for burning K. Songlung village, citing allegations of poppy cultivation and land disputes. The council stressed that such issues should be addressed through lawful mechanisms involving the police and district administration, not through violence.
Terming the act as vigilantism, the KZC demanded the immediate deployment of additional security forces, adequate compensation for victims, and swift action against those responsible.
In a separate statement, the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) said that as part of efforts to curb illegal poppy cultivation, the ZUF claimed to have dismantled and razed at least three farmhouses near the Waphong Inthan area, alleging that the structures were linked to large-scale poppy cultivation activities.