IMPHAL/KAMJONG, Oct 18: At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community were set on fire in Chassad village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, forcing several civilians to flee and seek shelter in nearby forest areas and an Army camp, officials said on Sunday.
Suspected militants attacked the hill village late Saturday night and set the houses ablaze, according to officials.
Earlier on Saturday, a Kuki civilian was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries when suspected militants allegedly attacked the village, further escalating tensions in the district.
In a statement, Manipur Police said a joint security column comprising 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 killing of the civilian and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families.
She described the burning of houses as an intolerable crime and called for measures to protect civilians and their property.
Kipgen said she had instructed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, safeguard civilian lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for the violence were brought to justice.
Meanwhile, 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 allegedly attacked the village.
The incidents have heightened security concerns in the district, with security personnel deployed to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.
