Correspondent
IMPHAL, AUG 24: Fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Senapati district adjoining Kangpokpi early Monday morning, leaving several houses burnt and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel injured in a gunfight between two groups.
According to official sources, the unrest began when two houses were set ablaze – one belonging to a Kuki member at Taphou Kuki village and another belonging to a Naga resident near the 9th Manipur Rifles camp at Mareimei Poumai Naga village. Both communities blamed each other for the arson. The abandoned Kuki house was torched around 2:40 a.m., while the Naga house was set afire around 4 a.m.
Tensions escalated as more houses in Poumai Naga Lai village and Phuba village were reportedly targeted. A gunfight soon erupted between the groups, prompting heavy deployment of security forces. During the operation, Sub-Inspector (GD) Pradeep Singh of the 36th Battalion CRPF sustained a bullet injury to his left leg and was rushed to Senapati District Hospital for treatment.
In response to the arson, irate residents of Senapati enforced a flash blockade along NH-2, burning debris and tyres to halt vehicular movement. Protesters alleged that the attacks were carried out by Kuki groups, further heightening tensions in the district.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, suspected Kuki militants allegedly fired six to seven rounds towards Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul district around 12:10 a.m. Though no casualties were reported, villagers said the Tangkhul Naga settlement has been repeatedly targeted since February. Security in the area is currently being managed by the Manipur Rifles after the withdrawal of the Maha Regiment column.
The situation across Senapati and Ukhrul remains tense, with security forces conducting search operations and monitoring vulnerable villages to prevent further escalation.