New Delhi: Fresh violence was reported Monday in parts of Manipur as several houses were set ablaze and a 54-year-old paramilitary soldier injured amid firing in areas along the boundaries of Senapati and adjoining Kangpokpi district. Meanwhile, several Naga volunteers blocked the Imphal-Dimapur NH1 highway protesting the fresh bout of violence.
The first incident was reported around 2.40 AM when a fire started in the Taphou Kuki area.
“At that time police personnel were present near the Senapati district gate when the incident occurred,” a local source told ThePrint, adding that tensions escalated after houses of local Naga residents were allegedly targeted at 9MR and Mereimei areas around 4 AM.
“One house at Taphou Kuki was burnt, while a house belonging to a resident of Lai village, a Poumai Naga settlement, was demolished. Another house belonging to a resident of Phuba village, also a Poumai Naga settlement, was also burnt,” the local source added.
Matters got worse around 9.20 AM when several rounds of firing were heard in the area. “A 54-year-old CRPF constable of 36 CRPF sustained a bullet injury while at Liangmai Taphou. He was taken to District Hospital, Senapati, where he is under treatment,” said a senior police officer aware of the matter.
The injured paramilitary officer told the police that he could not ascertain the direction from which he was shot at owing to multiple rounds of firing happened from two sides.
Meanwhile, the Taphou Kuki Village Authority took to social media to condemn the arson and gave a 24-hour deadline to those responsible to claim responsibility and resolve the matter under Kuki customary law. “The Taphou Kuki Village Authority strongly condemns the burning and destruction of a residential house belonging to Taphou Kuki Village. Such an act of arson is deplorable, inhuman and completely unacceptable. The destruction of a civilian home causes not only severe loss of property and livelihood but also fear, insecurity and deep emotional trauma for the affected family,” read their letter.
The body further appealed to the district administration, police and relevant authorities to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take lawful action. “The protection of civilians and their properties must remain the highest priority. The Village Authority has given a 24-hour deadline for those responsible for the burning of the said house to come forward, accept responsibility and resolve the matter in accordance with Kuki customary law. We urge everyone to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any action that could further escalate tensions or lead to an untoward incident,” it said.
The Village Authority warned that it would not be held responsible for any “untoward incident” if the matter was not resolved within the stipulated 24 hours.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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