Imphal (Agency): A group of miscreants went on a rampage in Manipur’s Moreh district, setting fire to at least 30 houses and shops in the Moreh Bazar area, which is situated near the Myanmar border. Following the arson, a gun battle broke out between the miscreants and security forces. The extent of casualties is yet to be confirmed, as per official reports.
This incident comes just a day after a mob in Kangpokpi district set fire to two buses that were being used by security forces to transport personnel. The incident occurred in Sapormeina as the buses were returning from Dimapur. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from this incident.
The buses, bearing Manipur registration numbers, were stopped by locals at Sapormeina, who insisted on checking if members of another community were on board. In the aftermath of the altercation, some individuals from the mob set the buses ablaze.
Meanwhile, Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that the construction of temporary houses in Sajiwa, Imphal, and Yaithibi Loukol, Thoubal district, is nearing completion. These houses aim to provide shelter for families affected by the recent violence, both in the hills and the valley. Singh expressed that the state government is taking all possible measures to rehabilitate those impacted by the unrest.
Last month, the chief minister had announced plans to construct 3,000 to 4,000 pre-fabricated houses to accommodate people who had to flee their homes due to ethnic strife in the northeastern state.
The ethnic violence in Manipur began nearly three months ago on May 3, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, the violence has claimed the lives of over 160 people and left hundreds injured.
The Meiteis, constituting about 53% of Manipur’s population, primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and predominantly inhabit the hill districts.