Imphal: Reports of inter-community armed clashes have emerged from the Makui area of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, where local sources said an estimated 41 Naga homes, including several community churches, were destroyed during around 12 hours of violence.
The destruction mainly affected three settlements: Makui Chamriupui, Makui Thanamba and Makui Thebram. Area representatives said 17 homes were completely destroyed in Makui Chamriupui, eight in Makui Thanamba and 16 in Makui Thebram.
According to eyewitnesses, the arson began around 2:30 pm on September 23 and continued until 2:30 am the next day. Displaced residents alleged that Kuki militants carried out the attacks.
The affected residents also questioned the local security arrangements. They said Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel were stationed within a 10-kilometre radius of the affected areas but did not intervene during the violence.
Evacuated villagers said they stayed back for nearly half a day before leaving their homes after the houses were set on fire. The displaced families have since taken shelter at the larger Makui village centre.
After the initial arson, reports emerged of sporadic clashes between armed groups from the Kuki and Naga communities on Thursday afternoon.
The subsequent clashes could not be independently verified by official agencies at the time of publication. Administrative sources, however, said no casualties had been confirmed so far.