5 abandoned houses set ablaze by unknown armed individuals in Manipur: Police

Unknown armed individuals set fire to at least five abandoned houses in Kailenjang village, located in Manipur's Senapati district, on Monday afternoon. Police reported the incident occurred around 1:30 PM, approximately 5 km west of the Senapati police station. The perpetrators fled the area after the arson. The village has remained deserted since the 1992 Naga-Kuki conflict over land disputes. While some Kuki villagers had resettled there before 2023, escalating ethnic tensions, particularly following a May 13 ambush and alleged killings, led to their renewed displacement. They have since sought shelter in Taphou Kuki village. Authorities have yet to identify those responsible for Monday's fire. A team from Assam Rifles responded to the scene, finding most of the houses significantly damaged. Locals reported hearing no gunfire during the incident. This arson occurs amidst ongoing inter-district economic blockades imposed by both Naga and Kuki civil society organizations, stemming from the broader ethnic clashes that began in May 2023. These clashes have resulted in at least 260 deaths and displaced 60,000 people.

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The village remained abandoned since the 1992 Naga-Kuki conflict over land issues. During that time around eight to ten households were displaced and the Kuki villagers resettled in the village before 2023.