Guwahati: At least 25 houses were allegedly set ablaze in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, a day after 10 houses were reportedly torched and a villager injured in violence along the Imphal-Tamenglong road, police said.
The latest arson was reported from Tiporam village, where residents claimed that five of the houses belonged to members of the Nepali community.
The development follows Monday’s attack on Teikhang Kuki village, where three people, including two women, were killed and four others injured. According to police, the attack was followed by prolonged gunfire that continued until around 12.30 pm.
On Tuesday, at least 10 houses were reportedly burned in the area. Police also said an excavator, Gypsy, pickup truck and truck were damaged during the violence.
The injured man was identified as N Luithuibou, 49, who sustained bullet wounds to his right abdomen and hand. Locals identified him as a church pastor.
Residents of Tiporam had earlier been evacuated to Makui, around 15 km away, following the violence. They reportedly returned to the village on Tuesday but alleged that they came under gunfire after their return.
Villagers further alleged that security forces were informed about the houses being set ablaze but failed to intervene until Wednesday. These allegations could not be independently verified, and security forces and authorities had not issued a response to the claims.
The fresh incidents add to the continuing security concerns in Kangpokpi amid the broader ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began in May 2023 and has resulted in deaths, displacement and the separation of communities across the state.
The Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have largely remained concentrated in separate areas since the violence began, while authorities have identified several sensitive locations and maintained security arrangements in affected areas.