Manipur: 15 Houses Burnt in Kamjong; Security Forces Prevent Wider Arson in Tangkhul Village
Imphal, July 1: At least 15 houses were destroyed in a fire after unidentified miscreants allegedly set ablaze Phaimol Kuki village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Tuesday. In a separate incident believed to be retaliatory, security forces intervened to prevent a larger arson attack on Shangkhalok Tangkhul village, limiting further damage.
According to official sources, the first incident occurred at around 12:30 pm at Phaimol village, located nearly 45 kilometres northeast of Chassad Police Station near Indo-Myanmar Border Pillar No. 113.
Authorities said residents had already evacuated the village due to the prevailing security situation and were taking shelter at Aishi village, where an 11 Assam Rifles camp is stationed. As the village had been vacated, no casualties or injuries were reported.
The blaze completely destroyed all 15 houses in the village, while the village church remained unaffected.
Later, at around 1:45 pm, another group of unidentified armed miscreants allegedly attempted to set fire to Shangkhalok Tangkhul village, situated near Indo-Myanmar Border Pillar No. 101.
Security forces responded swiftly and prevented extensive destruction. However, several temporary thatched shelters occupied by displaced Myanmar nationals, along with a few houses belonging to members of the Tangkhul community, were destroyed in the fire.
Officials said seven Tangkhul houses were partially damaged but successfully saved, while another seven to eight houses escaped the blaze.
In a related incident, seven houses at Huimine Thana, a Tangkhul settlement located between Shangkhalok and Phaikoh, were also completely destroyed by fire.
No loss of life or injuries have been reported in any of the incidents.
Police said suo motu cases will be registered in connection with both incidents. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to identify those involved and determine the circumstances leading to the attacks.
Security has been intensified in the border region as officials continue monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
