Imphal: An armed group allegedly attacked a Naga settlement in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Tuesday night, firing multiple rounds before setting fire to at least nine houses, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident took place at Tokpa Liangmai Naga village at around 9.30 pm, according to officials. Most of the affected homes were reportedly kutcha structures.
People from neighbouring villages reached the area after the attack and assisted in bringing the fire under control, officials said.
Additional security forces have since been deployed in the region to prevent any further escalation, they said.
The Liangmai Naga Council (LNC), Manipur, condemned the alleged attack and voiced concern over reports that civilian residences and a place of worship had been targeted. The council claimed that 10 houses and a church were burnt in the attack, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“The deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, residential properties and a place of worship constitutes a grave and reprehensible act of violence,” it said in a statement.
“The Council is particularly appalled and deeply concerned by reports that security personnel were stationed merely a few metres from the affected area, despite the locality being a highly sensitive red-zone area,” The Assam Tribune quoted the LNC, as saying.
The LNC called for an inquiry into the actions of security personnel posted near the incident site, including an investigation into any possible dereliction of duty. It also sought the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, besides demanding a prompt, impartial, transparent and time-bound probe.
The council further urged authorities to strengthen security in the affected area and provide proper relief, rehabilitation and compensation to families whose houses and belongings were allegedly destroyed.
