Reported by -Bit Irom
Imphal: Ethnic tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have reportedly spread closer to the India-Myanmar border, with houses in a Kuki village allegedly set ablaze on Tuesday, officials said.
According to reports, Molnoi, a Kuki village located across the border in Myanmar near Kamjong district was torched on May 12, allegedly by cadres of the NSCN (Eastern Frontier). Videos and messages related to the incident circulated widely on social media during the day.
In an evening statement, Manipur Police clarified that Molnoi village lies in Myanmar, around 2 km from Border Pillar No. 113 near Kamjong district and stated that the incident did not take place on Indian territory.
The clarification came after videos surfaced showing Assam Rifles personnel, some wearing masks, stopping vehicles along the Imphal-Phungyar road at Shangshak Khullen in Ukhrul district on Tuesday.
A day earlier, tension flared at Wanglee village in Kamjong district after local residents reportedly blocked an Assam Rifles convoy heading toward the border area, leading to a confrontation.
The latest developments follow the May 7 attack on three Tangkhul Naga villages – Choro, Wanglee, and Namlee in Kamjong district by suspected militants belonging to the Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) along with the Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ).
According to local organisations, the armed group crossed the international border before launching a pre-dawn assault using automatic weapons and explosives. At least 30 houses were reportedly burnt, several shops looted, and multiple vehicles and motorcycles either stolen or destroyed during the attack.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) claimed that at least two civilians suffered bullet injuries, while several villagers were threatened at gunpoint. A woman who was allegedly abducted during the violence was later rescued by Assam Rifles personnel on May 9 and provided medical assistance.
The violence forced many residents to flee into nearby forest areas, triggering a humanitarian crisis in the region.
The United Naga Council (UNC) condemned the incident, describing it as a “barbaric cross-border invasion,” and urged the Government of India to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, VVEZ claimed responsibility for the May 7 attacks, saying they were carried out in retaliation for the burning of Lanchah village on May 2.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam visited the affected areas on May 9 to review the law and order situation and assess the extent of the damage.