Imphal: Manipur MLA Leishiyo Keishing described the early Thursday morning attacks on the border villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro in Kamjong district as an “external aggression.” He alleged that assaults were carried out by cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and Myanmar-based People’s Defence Force (PDF) groups.
Speaking to media persons at his official residence in Lamphel, Imphal, MLA Leishiyo Keishing stated that the attack occurred between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday. The targeted villages are near the Indo-Myanmar border under the Kasom Khullen subdivision in Kamjong district.
MLA of Phungyar Assembly Constituency Keishing stated that for the past three years, Manipur has endured ongoing turmoil, which he described as an “internal conflict between communities.” However, Keishing asserted that the latest incident marked a shift, involving “external underground groups” from across the border.
According to Keishing, KNA-B and PDF cadres allegedly attacked several villages, torching houses and ransacking properties. In Choro village, he said all private homes were burnt down, except for a Church building.
Keishing further informed that one man identified as Zingran Ningshen and a widow from Imphal identified as Itobi, who was reportedly staying in Wanglee market for business purposes, were allegedly taken captive during the attack. Their whereabouts remain unknown till the filing of this report.
He also claimed that five to six villagers of the Vaiphei community sustained injuries in the firing. Due to the prevailing situation, the injured could not be evacuated to Imphal and are currently being treated locally.
The MLA stated that around 300 people from the affected villages have been evacuated and are currently taking shelter in relief camps set up in safer areas.
He asserted that the incident should not be viewed as a communal conflict, stating that local villagers from different communities jointly helped rescue displaced persons during the attack.
Criticising the security response, Keishing alleged that personnel from the Assam Rifles camp located only a few meters away from the affected area did not stop or intervene during the attack. The incident occurred barely 200 metres away from an 11 Assam Rifles company stationed between Choro and Aloyo villages.
“The border villages are actually guarding the border. Till now, no security force has reached the conflict area,” he said.
The MLA further alleged that the porous Indo-Myanmar border has enabled armed groups to cross freely, launch attacks, and then retreat back across the border. He urged both the Central and State governments to take immediate steps to strengthen border security and protect people living in border areas.
Keishing also reiterated opposition to fencing in disputed border areas, claiming that historical boundary agreements were not clearly defined and that many traditional lands of local communities now fall across the present border.
MLA Keishing said that he had earlier written to the Chief Minister, requesting the deployment of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) forces at K Ashang Khullen Aze (KAKA) and Wanglee on the Indo-Myanmar border in anticipation of such incidents.
Appealing to the people of Manipur and the government, the MLA called for urgent measures to secure border areas and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Manipur: MLA alleges ‘external aggression’ in Kamjong border village attack
According to Keishing, KNA-B and PDF cadres allegedly attacked several villages, torching houses and ransacking properties.
