Guwahati: Three residential buildings were set ablaze in Kailenjang Kuki village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday after suspected NSCN-IM cadres allegedly entered the village and opened fire.
The incident occurred around noon in Kailenjang, located in the fringe area between Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. No deaths or injuries were reported.
According to residents, the suspected NSCN-IM members were allegedly carrying sophisticated weapons when they entered the village and opened fire before setting the three houses on fire.
The affected houses belonged to village chief Nengneichong Chongloi and residents Kamkhohao Chongloi and Helthang Haokip.
The blaze completely destroyed the houses and the household items, valuables and important documents kept inside them, residents said.
Security personnel arrived after the incident and monitored the situation. The attack has renewed questions about security arrangements in the vulnerable fringe areas of Kangpokpi and Senapati.
The reported deployment of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent in the village has also raised questions about the security arrangements in place when the attack occurred.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam held talks with Naga frontal organisations led by the United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday over the economic blockade of the National Highways. The meeting was held amid the ongoing political and security situation in Manipur.
No agreement was reached during the talks, with the UNC maintaining its four-point charter of demands.