Imphal: Tensions have mounted in several parts of Manipur following reported attacks on Naga villages and indigenous community property, with village authorities expressing serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation and warning the state government against further lapses.
The Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority strongly condemned an arson attack on Sunday afternoon in which several houses were reportedly set ablaze in the Maram Naga village. According to the village authority, the incident occurred at around 3.30 pm on November 1, when suspected Kuki groups allegedly torched multiple residential structures.
The village leadership also questioned the conduct of central security personnel present in the area at the time of the incident. It expressed concern over their alleged failure to intervene, protect residents and prevent the destruction of property, while raising questions about their neutrality.
Demanding immediate action, the village authority called on the state administration to identify and arrest those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted. It said the affected families must receive justice and warned that its restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
The authority further cautioned that the state government would be held accountable for any further escalation or security failures in the area.
In a separate incident, reports emerged of an armed attack on Tazeikaiphun Naga village in Noney district, under the jurisdiction of Nungba police station. According to sources, suspected Kuki militants armed with heavy weapons allegedly launched the assault using bombs and firearms before setting houses and community structures on fire.
The attackers were reportedly stopped after Naga village guards retaliated, preventing their advance towards neighbouring settlements. Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the area to stabilise the situation. However, intermittent exchanges of fire were reported to have continued. No casualties among the village defenders had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Another incident was reported from Imphal East district, where unidentified miscreants allegedly dismantled and set fire to the traditional village gate of Phunal Maring village, located between Santrok and Thiyam.
Phunal Maring Village Authority chairman P. Memma condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maring community.
He said the gate held considerable historical and cultural significance, having been constructed by the community’s elders. Memma warned that such acts of vandalism could deepen misunderstandings and aggravate existing divisions among communities in the state.