Fresh violence in Manipur leaves CRPF man injured, houses torched
Tensions flare between Naga and Kuki communities in Senapati
Imphal: Fresh violence has erupted in Manipur’s Senapati district, where two houses belonging to members of the Kuki and Naga communities were set ablaze by armed men, leaving an Indian CRPF man injured and triggering fresh tensions in the conflict-hit region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incidents occurred in Taphou village, where unidentified armed men allegedly torched a Kuki-owned house and another belonging to a Poumai Naga family in the early hours of Monday. The arson was followed by an exchange of fire between armed groups.
CRPF Sub-Inspector (General Duty) Pradeep Singh of the 36th Battalion sustained a bullet injury to his left foot during the firing and was evacuated to Senapati Hospital for treatment.
Additional security personnel have been deployed in Taphou and surrounding areas to prevent further escalation, while several residents reportedly began leaving the area amid renewed fears of violence.
Meanwhile, protesters blocked main highway near Senapati headquarters, with burning tyres and debris placed on the highway, disrupting the key route linking Imphal with Dimapur.
The Taphou Kuki Village Authority condemned the burning of the Kuki-owned house as “highly deplorable, inhuman and unacceptable” and demanded that those responsible be identified and prosecuted. It also called upon the perpetrators to come forward and resolve the matter under Kuki customary law.
The latest violence comes amid heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki communities following a series of deadly incidents. In May, twin ambushes in Noney and Kangpokpi districts killed four people, including three church leaders and a Naga man, triggering retaliatory violence and the reported captivity of dozens of civilians from both communities.
Although the hostages were later released, six Naga men were subsequently found dead near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district.
The fresh violence highlights the continuing failure of authorities to restore lasting peace in Manipur, where ethnic divisions, armed clashes and retaliatory attacks continue to threaten civilian lives and deepen insecurity.
