Imphal: Suspected cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) allegedly crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and set fire to at least 12 houses and a local market at Kongkan Thana in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Wednesday, triggering fresh concerns over security in the border region.
The attack prompted strong criticism from Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who questioned how armed militants were able to carry out the assault just a few kilometres from an Assam Rifles post. He called for the immediate deployment of neutral state security forces, including the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), to strengthen security in the area.
Keishing said Kongkan Thana and other border villages remain highly vulnerable because of their remote location, poor road connectivity and proximity to militant-controlled areas across the Myanmar border, where groups such as the KNA-B and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) are reportedly active. He noted that these factors often delay the flow of information and hamper the timely deployment of security personnel.
Expressing concern over the latest incident, the MLA questioned the effectiveness of the existing security arrangement, pointing out that the attack occurred barely three kilometres from an operational Assam Rifles camp. He said residents were increasingly worried about the ability of security forces to prevent such cross-border incursions.
Keishing also referred to a series of similar incidents in recent months, including attacks on the villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro on May 8, as well as the torching of Phaimol village in Kangpokpi district. He alleged that the latest attack took place shortly after a statement issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur regarding the Phaimol incident.
While security agencies have launched operations to assess the situation and secure the affected area, the MLA urged the state government to bolster security by deploying neutral forces to restore public confidence and prevent further attacks along the sensitive Indo-Myanmar border.