Imphal, July 1: At least 15 houses were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants in a Kuki village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Wednesday, in the latest incident of arson reported from the violence-hit border region.
The incident took place around 12.30 pm at Phaimol village, located about 45 km northeast of Chassad police station near Indo-Myanmar Border Pillar No. 113, officials said.
“No casualties or injuries were reported. All 15 houses in the village were completely destroyed in the fire, while the village church remained untouched,” an official said.
In a separate incident, seven houses at Huimine Thana, a Tangkhul settlement situated between Shangkhalok and Phaikoh, were also completely burnt down, officials said.
Another group of armed miscreants allegedly attempted to torch Shangkhalok Tangkhul village, located near Border Pillar No. 101, at around 1.45 pm, but security forces foiled the attempt.
Sources said residents of Phaimol village had already vacated the area due to the prevailing security situation and were temporarily sheltering at Aishi village, which prevented any loss of life.
Security forces have intensified vigil in the area and launched efforts to identify those involved in the arson attacks.
The incidents have once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the hill districts of Manipur, where sporadic violence and arson continue to be reported despite ongoing efforts to restore normalcy
EOM
