Houses torched in Manipur's Senapati, CRPF jawan injured in gunfight

Overview

An early-morning arson attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Monday set off a chain of violence that spread to neighbouring Senapati district, where several houses were burnt and a CRPF jawan was injured in a gunfight between two groups, according to multiple reports.

Timeline of Events

The incident began around 2:30 AM when an unidentified group set a residence ablaze in Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi, as reported by PTI. About an hour and a half later, at approximately 4 AM, several homes were torched at Naga Taphou in Senapati district.

A CRPF personnel was injured in a gunfight between two groups in the Taphou Naga area at around 9:20 AM. The jawan was taken to Senapati district hospital and is now out of danger, according to the administration.

A senior police officer, speaking to PTI, confirmed the sequence of events: "Following the incident of arson in Kangpokpi, several houses were burnt at Naga Taphou in Senapati district at 4 am. A CRPF personnel was injured in a gunfight between two groups in Taphou Naga area around 9:20 am. He has been admitted to the Senapati district hospital and is now out of danger."

Eyewitness Account

A volunteer named Digabou told ANI that around 2:40 AM, volunteers were at the gate when a fire broke out. "We went there and informed the Police; we also informed the Police to call the Fire Brigade and put out the fire at the earliest," he said. He added that after informing the police, they saw a man moving towards the southern side.

Digabou reported no casualties but noted the house had been completely destroyed. "As of now, no casualties, but the house has been totally burnt to ashes. Only one house was burnt; two houses were damaged. One CRPF jawan was injured and we rushed him to the hospital," he added.

Protests and Response

The incidents of arson in Senapati triggered protests, with locals gathering at Senapati Gate and burning logs and tyres on National Highway 2, affecting the movement of vehicles, officials said. The Taphou Kuki Village Authority, in a statement, strongly condemned the loss of property and demanded that the culprits be identified within 24 hours.

Security has been strengthened in the area to control the situation, according to the senior police officer.

Background

These incidents occur against the backdrop of a prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic clashes between these groups since May 2023, according to reports.