Suspected militants reportedly torched at least 15 Kuki houses in Chassad village under the Kamjong district in Manipur, late October 17, forcing residents to flee into nearby forests and a security forces camp after a civilian was killed and four others were injured in an earlier shooting.
At a Glance
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Suspected militants reportedly burnt at least 15 Kuki houses in Chassad village after a fatal shooting on Saturday.
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A separate attack at Kamjong district headquarters injured three Tangkhul Naga civilians. Security personnel have been deployed in the affected area.
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The Kuki-Zo Council has demanded stronger security, unrestricted access to essential supplies and compensation for affected families.
Fresh violence in Kamjong district has raised concerns over civilian safety near the India-Myanmar border. The arson in Chassad village followed a shooting that killed Kuki civilian Seikhohao Haokip and wounded four others.
A separate attack at Kamjong district headquarters injured three Tangkhul Naga civilians. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has accused the government of failing to protect civilians and demanded stronger security measures.
Arson in Kamjong forces Kuki families to flee
Suspected militants reportedly set fire to at least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki tribal community in Chassad village late Saturday night. The incident occurred in Kamjong district, close to the India-Myanmar border.
The attack forced residents to abandon their homes. Many reportedly sought shelter in nearby forest areas and a camp of security forces, according to officials and local sources.
The arson followed a shooting earlier on Saturday. Gunmen killed Kuki civilian Seikhohao Haokip and injured four others in the attack, reports said.
Authorities have yet to establish the full extent of the damage. The identities of those responsible also remain unverified.
Deputy CM condemns violence
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen strongly condemned the attacks. She expressed grief over Haokip’s death and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families.
Kipgen described the burning of houses as an intolerable crime. She said she had directed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.
The Deputy CM also instructed officials to protect civilians and their property. She called for action to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
A police official said a joint team comprising the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Kamjong Police had reached the affected area. The deployment aims to bring the situation under control and restore security.
Three Tangkhul Naga civilians injured in separate attack
Another shooting took place at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night. The attack injured three Tangkhul Naga civilians, reportedly amid clashes involving rival armed groups.
The injured were identified as T. Chithung, S. Malung and M. Shithung. They received treatment at Kamjong Hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable.
Both Chassad village and Kamjong district headquarters lie near the India-Myanmar border. The area has faced security concerns amid tensions between armed groups.
Local accounts said fear of further attacks prompted residents to flee their homes. Chassad Police Station reportedly received information about the arson on Sunday.
However, police had not conducted an on-site inquiry by the time of reporting. A shortage of personnel reportedly prevented the visit.
The circumstances surrounding the attacks remain unclear. Authorities have also not verified the full extent of the damage or identified those involved.
Kuki-Zo Council questions security arrangements
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Kamjong district, particularly in Chassad village.
In a statement, the organisation said four Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed in just over a week. It argued that the deaths exposed the government’s failure to protect innocent people.
The KZC also questioned reports that cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), or NSCN-IM, were operating freely in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Chandel districts. The organisation said the ceasefire arrangement was understood to apply to Nagaland.
The council urged the Government of India to clarify the situation and take immediate steps to prevent further attacks.
It also alleged that an economic embargo was preventing Kuki-Zo civilians in Kamjong from buying essential commodities. The organisation demanded unrestricted access to essential supplies for affected residents.
KZC seeks Central forces and compensation
The KZC called for the immediate deployment of Central security forces between the police station and Chassad village. It said the deployment was necessary to protect civilians and prevent further violence.
The council also urged the governments of India and Manipur to ensure civilian safety and hold those responsible accountable. It demanded ex-gratia assistance for the families of those killed.
The organisation further sought compensation for residents whose houses were burnt in the arson.
Emphasising the community’s constitutional rights, the KZC said Kuki-Zo people were Indian citizens entitled to equal protection under the Constitution.
The council called on the government to act urgently to prevent further loss of life and safeguard the community’s safety and dignity. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)