Imphal: Tensions escalated in Manipur‘s Churachandpur district after a mob allegedly set fire to the residence of a Kuki leader on Sunday night, officials confirmed on Monday.
The house of Calvin Aikhenthang, a leader of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which is a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Centre, was reportedly torched. While officials stated it was an arson attack by a mob, some locals have claimed the fire was caused by a short circuit.
The residence of another Kuki leader, Ginza Vualzong, who is the spokesperson of the Kuki Zo Council and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, was also targeted by miscreants, but timely intervention by locals helped prevent the house from being set on fire, officials said.
The incident occurred just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to the conflict-hit state since ethnic clashes began in May 2023. During his visit, Modi addressed a rally in Churachandpur and met with those affected by the violence
On September 4, two prominent Kuki-Zo groups signed the SoO agreement with the Centre on re-negotiated terms and conditions, under which they agreed to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur, relocate designated camps away from vulnerable areas, and work towards a solution to bring lasting peace and stability to the state.
The signing of the SoO pact with KNO and the United People’s Front is also set to have a positive impact on peace efforts in the restive state.
Kuki-Zo Council, the civil society group, had decided to open National Highway-2, which passes through Manipur, for free movement of commuters and essential goods.
However, on Monday, the KZC clarified that it has not “declared the reopening of NH-2” and that “no free movement has been permitted on this route.”
In a statement, the council said: “Our request was only to the people of Kangpokpi district to extend cooperation to the security forces, as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in maintaining the safety of commuters along NH-2.”
The KZC asserted that the Centre’s statement had been “misinterpreted” and caused “unnecessary confusion”.
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The council issued a stern warning that the Kuki-Zo areas must be respected, stating that “any violation will lead to serious consequences and further deterioration of peace and security.”
