Ukhrul, Oct 20: A Kuki-Zo hamlet in Manipur’s Ukhrul district was reduced to ashes following a pre-dawn arson attack on Tuesday, escalating tensions along the National Highway 202 corridor. No fatalities were reported in the incident.
The attack reportedly began around 1 am onTuesday at Patleijang, a hamlet of Chepu Yaolen along NH-202. According to official and local sources, suspected assailants set houses on fire and allegedly fired around three rounds from automatic weapons into the air before fleeing.
The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, condemned the incident and alleged that cadres of the NSCN(IM), operating from nearby locations, including Sikibung, Leingangching and TM Kasom, were responsible for the arson. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The committee also questioned the security arrangements in the area, pointing to a delay in the deployment of the Border Security Force (BSF), which was reportedly scheduled for October 19 but took place on October 20.
“With the BSF at TM Kasom, the Army at Leingangching, and security forces nearby, how could an entire village be burned without intervention?” the committee asked.
The WCKCSOs also alleged selective scrutiny by investigative agencies and demanded permanent security arrangements for Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, competing claims circulated on social media regarding the possible triggers behind the arson, including alleged local disputes involving village leadership and displacement. These claims remain unverified.
Security operations involving the Assam Rifles, BSF, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and CoBRA units have reportedly been intensified across Ukhrul and adjoining areas amid concerns over further violence.
The incident comes amid a series of volatile developments in eastern Manipur. Separate incidents of violence and arson were reported in neighbouring Kamjong district in recent days. Reports have also emerged of a civilian being killed in the Leimakhong area in an incident allegedly involving armed group cadres.
Authorities have intensified patrolling, while investigations into the Patleijang arson and other incidents are underway.
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The post Manipur: Patleijang hamlet gutted in pre-dawn arson attack in Ukhrul appeared first on Hub News.