Armed militants torched several houses in Manipur's Kamjong district in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting residents of three border villages to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby forests, police said.
Attack on Villages
According to police officials, the militants launched a coordinated attack on the Tangkhul Naga villages of Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro, all located within the jurisdiction of the Kasom Khullen police station. The assault began around 4 am, catching the villagers off guard as they slept.
The attackers, believed to be a heavily armed group, set multiple houses ablaze, causing panic among the residents. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing flames engulfing homes before fleeing into the surrounding forested areas for safety.
Police Response
Security forces were immediately alerted and dispatched to the scene. Police teams have been deployed to the affected areas to assess the situation and provide assistance to the displaced villagers. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of the residents and prevent further escalation of violence.
Senior police officials stated that investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators and the motive behind the attack. No arrests have been made so far, and the area remains tense.
Background of Tension
Kamjong district, located in the northeastern state of Manipur, has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence in recent months due to ethnic tensions and militant activity. The region shares a border with Myanmar, which has often been used by insurgent groups for movement and shelter.
The Tangkhul Naga community, predominantly residing in the hill districts of Manipur, has been caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts between various militant factions and security forces. Local leaders have called for immediate government intervention to protect the affected families and restore peace in the region.
Residents Displaced
The arson has left dozens of families homeless, with many losing all their belongings. Temporary relief camps are being set up by local authorities to provide food, water, and medical aid to the displaced. The district administration has assured that necessary assistance will be provided to the victims.
One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "We woke up to the sound of gunfire and saw our houses on fire. We had no time to collect anything; we just ran into the forest to save our lives."
The incident has sparked outrage among local communities, who have demanded stronger security measures and a swift investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
