At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki tribal community were reportedly set ablaze in Chassad village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, forcing residents to flee to nearby forest areas and a security forces camp, officials and local sources said on Sunday. The arson followed a gun attack that left one civilian dead and four others injured earlier on Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Seikhohao Haokip, a Kuki civilian. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the subsequent burning of houses remain under investigation, while the identities of those responsible have not been independently verified.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence, expressing grief over Haokip’s death and concern for the injured and displaced families. Describing the burning of houses as an intolerable crime, she said she had directed the district administration, police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilians and their property, and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
A police official said a joint team of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF) and Kamjong Police had been deployed to the affected area to bring the situation under control.
In a separate incident at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians sustained bullet injuries in an attack reportedly involving rival armed groups. The injured, identified as T. Chithung, S. Malung and M. Shithung, were admitted to Kamjong Hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.
Both Chassad village and Kamjong district headquarters are located near the India-Myanmar border. According to local accounts, residents of Chassad fled amid fears for their safety. A spot inquiry had reportedly not been conducted by the time of reporting due to a shortage of personnel.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing Kuki-Zo tribals, said the security situation in Kamjong, particularly Chassad, had deteriorated alarmingly. It claimed that four Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed in just over a week and accused the government of failing to protect the community.
The council also questioned the reported presence of NSCN-IM cadres in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Chandel districts, calling on the Centre to clarify the situation and take immediate action to prevent further attacks.
The KZC further alleged that an economic embargo was preventing Kuki-Zo civilians in Kamjong from purchasing essential commodities. It demanded unrestricted access to supplies, the immediate deployment of Central security forces between the police station and Chassad village, compensation for families whose houses were burnt, and ex-gratia assistance for bereaved families.
The council urged the governments of India and Manipur to ensure civilian protection and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
The extent of the property damage and the circumstances surrounding both incidents remain subject to verification.
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