Authorities in Manipur have arrested two people, including a village chief, following an arson incident in Imphal West district that reignited tensions in the violence-hit state.
The incident occurred in Kanto Sabal, a sensitive village located on the outskirts of the Imphal Valley along the border with the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. Officials said several abandoned houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were set ablaze, prompting a large security response and fears of fresh communal unrest.
Among those arrested is Kammang Lhouvum, Chief of Hengjang village and Chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, he is accused of involvement in the alleged arson and related mob violence. A second suspect has also been taken into custody. Police have registered a case and said further investigation is underway.
Responding to the incident, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the violence, saying the government had acted immediately to bring the situation under control. In a statement posted on the Chief Minister’s official X account, Singh said state police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) had been deployed in the area and that the administration was closely monitoring developments.
The Chief Minister said the government viewed the incident seriously, adding that it appeared to be an attempt to disrupt the relative calm that had returned to Manipur after months of conflict.
Police said the arson sparked panic among residents, leading hundreds of people from nearby areas to gather near Kanto Sabal. A crowd of nearly 600 people reportedly attempted to move towards the affected locality before being stopped by security personnel. Officials said the timely intervention of the forces prevented the situation from escalating into a larger communal confrontation.
As tensions mounted, Central security forces intensified deployment around the village and fired tear gas shells to disperse crowds that had assembled near the site.
Residents, however, alleged that the houses were set on fire despite the presence of security personnel. They claimed that suspected Kuki assailants entered the locality from the adjoining Kangpokpi district and torched multiple Meitei-owned houses.
The affected structures had remained vacant since ethnic violence broke out across Manipur in May 2023, forcing many families to flee.
The confrontation also led to friction between local residents and security personnel after people attempting to reach the affected village were prevented from proceeding.
Officials said the situation is currently under control, though security has been strengthened across the area as a precaution against any further escalation.
