Imphal: Security forces on Saturday stopped a mob of nearly 600 people from advancing towards Kanto Sabal in Manipur’s Imphal West district, preventing what police described as “a potential communal clash.”
According to a police statement, the crowd attempted to move towards Kanto Sabal on Saturday before security personnel intervened and halted its advance.
Police also said miscreants attempted to set fire to abandoned houses in the area, but the blaze was swiftly brought under control, ensuring there was no loss of life.
“A case has been registered in connection with the incident and further investigation is underway,” the statement said.
However, local sources alleged that at least three abandoned Meitei houses were set ablaze by miscreants who had come from the adjoining Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district.
According to the sources, a large number of people from Kangpokpi entered the Kanto Sabal area in Imphal West around 12.30 pm and allegedly set fire to at least three houses belonging to members of the Meitei community. The houses had remained abandoned since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.
The sources further claimed that after residents from nearby localities noticed the houses on fire, many attempted to reach Kanto Sabal but were stopped by Army and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel, leading to a confrontation with the security forces.
During the standoff, security personnel reportedly fired several rounds of tear gas shells and resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd. A few people sustained minor injuries in the confrontation, according to local sources.
Additional state and central security forces have since been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation. Security personnel also worked to extinguish the fires at the affected houses.
Authorities have not independently confirmed the claims made by local sources regarding those responsible for the arson. An investigation into the incident is underway.
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