Imphal, July 11: Tensions escalated once again in Imphal West district of Manipur on Saturday. In the Kantou Sabal area, rioters allegedly set fire to several homes belonging to the Meitei community, raising fears of a significant confrontation in an already volatile region.
A senior police officer reported that following the arson, a crowd of approximately 600 men and women attempted to advance towards the Kantou Sabal area.
The officer stated that security forces intervened promptly, preventing the crowd from moving forward, thereby averting a potential communal clash.
He further noted that attempts by rioters to ignite more vacant homes were also swiftly thwarted, ensuring no lives were lost.
A case has been registered in connection with the incident.
Security forces remained on high alert in the area, maintaining a heavy deployment to ensure peace and order.
The arson created panic in the region, prompting hundreds from both the Meitei and Naga communities to gather near Kantou Sabal in an effort to extinguish the flames.
The substantial presence of central security forces deterred the crowd from advancing towards the affected area, while tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Local residents accused security forces of failing to protect homes from suspected Kuki rioters. They claimed that despite the presence of security personnel, homes were still set ablaze.
According to locals, a large number of individuals from the neighboring hill district of Kangpokpi arrived in the Kantou Sabal area and set fire to several homes belonging to members of the Meitei community.
These homes had been vacant since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
The area is located along the Imphal Valley and borders the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, making it a sensitive security zone.
Seeing homes engulfed in flames, many from surrounding areas rushed towards Kantou Sabal in an attempt to reach the affected site.
However, security forces halted them, leading to a tense standoff between locals and security personnel.
The situation remained tense but under control, with security forces maintaining strict surveillance to prevent further violence.
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