25 more residential houses torched in Manipur
Indian forces arrest four, including two teenage boys
Imphal: At least 25 more residential houses were set ablaze by unidentified attackers in BJP-ruled Manipur, as violence continued to spiral in the conflict-hit state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the houses were torched in Tiporam village under Chalwa police station in Kangpokpi district. The arson came a day after 10 houses were reportedly burnt in three nearby villages on September 02.
The latest attacks were part of a fresh cycle of violence in the area. Armed men reportedly stormed three Liangmai Naga villages — Tapon Khullen, Tapon Khunou and Makui Tiporam — on Tuesday. The assaults were followed by indiscriminate gunfire, during which at least 10 houses were set on fire and a village church pastor sustained bullet injuries, officials said.
A Tiporam resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said five houses were burnt on Tuesday and armed men had threatened to torch more. “Today, 25 houses were set ablaze and the miscreants subsequently fled the area,” the resident said.Of the 25 houses burnt, five belonged to members of the Nepali community, the resident added.
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Locals further alleged that Indian paramilitary forces were informed about the burning of houses but failed to intervene, allowing the attackers to operate with impunity.
The incidents have further inflamed communal tensions in the area. According to reports, 17 people belonging to the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities have been killed in separate incidents since May 13.Meanwhile, in a separate crackdown, Indian forces arrested four youth, including two teenage boys, during a search operation in Chandel district. Those arrested were identified as Thiyam Jotiraj Singh, 19, Oinam Benarji Singh, 18, Huidrom Rajesh Singh, 28, and Khundongbam Lemba Singh, 31.
Indian forces claimed that three of the arrested men are suspected members of the United National Liberation Front (K) while Oinam Benarji Singh is suspected to be associated with the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive). Both organizations are demanding independence from Indian occupation and the right to self-determination for the people of the region.
