Manipur in turmoil again: 15 houses torched; 1 killed, several injured in gun attack

IMPHAL: At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community were torched in a hill village in Manipur's Kamjong district, forcing several civilians to flee to forest areas and a nearby Army camp, officials said on Sunday. Suspected militants attacked Chassad village late on Saturday night and set the houses on fire, they said.

According to news agency PTI, a Kuki civilian was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries when suspected militants attacked the village earlier on Sunday. Police said in a statement that a joint team of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to bring the situation under control.

Deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence in Chassad, expressing grief over the death of the Kuki civilian and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families. She also called the burning of houses an intolerable crime. Kipgen said she had directed the district administration, state police and security forces to remain vigilant round the clock, safeguard civilian lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.

In a separate incident at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians sustained bullet injuries when rival armed groups belonging to another community attacked the village.