The Taphou Kuki Village Authority has rejected allegations raised by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) over recent arson incidents in and around Taphou and called for an impartial investigation to establish the facts. The demand comes after fresh violence in Manipur’s Senapati district left several houses burnt or damaged and a CRPF personnel injured in firing.
The incidents on August 24 occurred amid heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in the Senapati-Kangpokpi belt. Both sides have traded allegations over the fires, making an independent investigation important to prevent further escalation.
Taphou Kuki Village Authority seeks fair investigation
The Taphou Kuki Village Authority condemned the burning and destruction of a residential house in Taphou Kuki. It described the incident as deplorable and unacceptable and said violence against civilians and their property should not be tolerated.
The authority urged the district administration, police and other competent agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take action according to law. It also appealed to all groups to avoid violence, arson and actions that could worsen tensions.
Moreover, the authority stressed that grievances should be addressed through peaceful dialogue and lawful means rather than retaliation.
NPO raises questions over Taphou fires
The NPO, meanwhile, expressed concern over what it described as repeated incidents involving Taphou Kuki village. The organisation said a residential building belonging to a Poumai Naga was set on fire, while another abandoned building in Taphou Kuki was also reportedly burnt by unidentified persons.
The NPO further alleged that fire brigade personnel were obstructed while attempting to extinguish the flames. It questioned why firefighters were allegedly prevented from carrying out their duties and asked authorities to establish who was responsible.
However, these claims remain allegations and have not been established by an independent investigation. The NPO itself called for law-enforcement agencies to examine the incidents objectively and identify those responsible.
Taphou Kuki Village Authority urges restraint
The Taphou Kuki Village Authority has maintained that the destruction of civilian property causes fear, insecurity and serious hardship for affected families. It has therefore urged all communities to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could trigger further violence.
The authority also issued a 24-hour deadline for those responsible for burning the house to come forward and resolve the matter under Kuki customary law. It warned that failure to resolve the issue could result in an untoward incident, while simultaneously appealing for peace and peaceful coexistence.
The appeal comes as competing claims over the fires continue to circulate in a highly sensitive area.
Fresh violence leaves CRPF personnel injured
The latest incidents began in the early hours of August 24, when a fire was reported at a house in Taphou Kuki at around 2.40 am, according to reports. Further incidents were later reported in nearby areas, where houses belonging to Naga residents were reportedly burnt or damaged.
The situation deteriorated further when firing was reported in the area. A 54-year-old CRPF constable of the 36th Battalion sustained a firearm injury while deployed at Liangmai Taphou and was taken to Senapati District Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, reports said National Highway-2 was affected by protests and disruptions following the violence. The highway is a key route linking the Imphal and Dimapur sides and has remained sensitive during the wider conflict in Manipur.
Impartial probe seen as key to restoring calm
The Taphou Kuki Village Authority and the NPO have both called for investigations, although their statements differ over the circumstances surrounding the incidents. Therefore, establishing facts through a credible and impartial inquiry could help separate verified information from competing allegations.
Security agencies and district authorities face the immediate task of preventing further violence while determining responsibility for the arson and firing. Additionally, cooperation from residents and community organisations could help investigators gather evidence without further increasing tensions.
Overall, the latest developments underline the fragile security situation in the Senapati-Kangpokpi region. An impartial probe, lawful action against those found responsible and restraint by all sides will be important to prevent the Taphou incidents from triggering further violence.