Despite efforts to end the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, on Wednesday evening, Kuki houses were torched by unidentified armed people in Kamjong and Sahamphung, which come under Kamjong District.
The District Magistrate of Manipur’s Kamjong imposed restrictions in two villages following the arson attack. Police said there was no information on any casualties in the incident.
“Such disturbances could lead to serious breaches of peace, endanger public tranquillity, pose risks for human lives and property,” the order read.
Official sources said the arson attack occurred in Gampal and Haiyang villages under the Sahamphung sub-division in Kamjong district around 9 AM. Police said the villages are located around 50 km east of Kamjong district headquarters, near the Indo-Myanmar border.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, despite peace talks continuing.
On the other hand, the act has raised concerns over a potential breakdown of law and order and posed a grave threat to public safety and property.
Invoking powers under Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the District Magistrate has prohibited all movement of persons outside their residences and any activities that could disturb peace within the village jurisdictions of Gampal and Haijang.
Meanwhile, several Kuki-Zo organisations, including Kuki Inpi Manipur and Kuki Students’ Organisation, condemned the incident and demanded immediate rebuilding of the two villages, including proper rehabilitation of the affected families and fair compensation for losses they suffered.
Further, they demanded the deployment of an adequate number of personnel of “neutral security forces” to ensure the safety of the villagers and prevent further violence. Another demand was the provision of essential supplies, including food, medical aid, and shelter, to all those displaced or affected.
“These heinous attacks have terrorised innocent Kuki civilians and once again imperilled the already fragile peace and stability in the region,” the organisations said in a joint statement.
“We urge the government to act with immediacy, impartiality, and integrity. The people of Gampal, Haiyang and the wider Kuki-Zo community deserve not only protection, but also justice and peace. The Kuki-Zo community views this act of terror seriously as this would create misunderstanding between communities in the otherwise peaceful area,” the statement further stated.
