Tapon villagers are being moved to safer areas in Senapati after fresh violence in parts of Kangpokpi district, with 37 more people evacuated from the affected area. The latest movement takes the reported number of displaced residents from the area to 82.
The evacuation follows attacks reported on September 1 in Liangmai Naga settlements along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road. The incidents damaged homes and property and forced residents to leave amid continuing security concerns.
More residents shifted to Senapati
The latest evacuation on September 4 adds to the 45 residents who were brought to Senapati district headquarters on September 3. Those villagers were from Tapon Namguang (Upper), according to reports from local news outlets.
The 45 evacuees were taken first to Senapati Police Station. They were later moved to a temporary relief centre at Taphou Liangmai, established by civil society organisations in coordination with the Senapati district administration.
However, not all 45 people stayed at the relief centre. Reports said 23 people, including elderly residents, women and children, were accommodated there, while the others stayed with relatives around Senapati headquarters. The arrival of 37 more Tapon villagers brings the reported displaced total to 82.
Tapon villagers affected by September 1 violence
The displacement is linked to violence in three Liangmai Naga villages under T Waichong sub-division of Kangpokpi district. Reports identified the affected settlements as Pipuram Makui, Tapon Naga (Old) and Tapon Namsan (New).
Local authorities and community bodies have reported extensive damage. More than 30 houses were reportedly burnt or destroyed, along with a church and other property. Vehicles, machinery, food stocks and other livelihood assets were also reported damaged.
Two civilians were injured during the violence, including pastor Luithuibou Newmai. He was brought to District Hospital, Senapati, after being shot while trying to escape, according to local reports.
Security concerns remain
Tapon villagers were evacuated against the backdrop of questions over the security response to the attacks. Local representatives alleged that security personnel reached the affected settlements only after firing had continued for several hours.
The allegations have not been independently established. The reported incident involved prolonged firing from early morning into the afternoon, while security personnel eventually reached the affected area.
The Liangmai Naga Council has called for stronger security in vulnerable villages, compensation for affected residents and an independent investigation. Community organisations have also urged authorities to assist people who remain in or near the affected settlements.
Relief support in Senapati
For Tapon villagers needing immediate shelter, the camp at Taphou Liangmai is being managed with coordination between local civil society organisations and the district administration.
The arrangement is intended to provide a safer place for displaced residents while concerns remain in the affected villages. Those staying with relatives are also part of the wider displaced group and may require continued assistance.
Moreover, the evacuation highlights the pressure on local authorities to provide both immediate relief and security. As more residents leave vulnerable areas, access to shelter, food, healthcare and other basic needs becomes increasingly important. Meanwhile, local organisations are helping coordinate basic arrangements as authorities assess the security situation and the needs of families who have left their homes.
Evacuation effort continues
Tapon villagers are among residents affected by the latest escalation along the Imphal-Tamenglong corridor. The evacuation also follows an appeal by the Naga People’s Organisation for security forces to assist people who remained stranded in other affected parts of the area.
Reports from September 3 said the district administration had assured displaced residents of possible support. However, the situation remains fluid, and further movement could depend on security conditions around the villages.
For now, the evacuation of 37 more people raises the reported displacement figure to 82. The immediate priority remains keeping civilians safe, supporting displaced families and maintaining security in the affected areas. Authorities and local groups now face the task of sustaining relief as long as needed.
