IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo Singh on Saturday alleged that negligence on the part of the Indian Army led to the incident at Kanto Sabal, saying the area is located close to the Leimakhong Army garrison. He also stated that three persons have been detained in connection with the burning of abandoned houses.
Speaking to reporters, MLA Dingo Singh said the incident was particularly disturbing as Kanto Sabal is located close to the Leimakhong Army garrison.
“Today’s incident happened because of the negligence of the Indian Army. As the local MLA of this area, I feel very unhappy because the place is very close to the Leimakhong Army garrison,” he said.
The MLA said he had spoken to chief minister Y. Khemchand and briefed him on the situation. He added that he would visit the spot to assess the situation firsthand and urged the government to ensure there are no further security lapses.
“I have informed the chief minister about the situation and requested that such incidents should not happen again due to security lapses,” Dingo said.
MLA Dingo Singh further claimed that, according to the information available to him, three persons involved in the arson had been arrested. However, there was no official confirmation from the police regarding the arrests at the time of filing this report. Police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.
The violence reportedly erupted on Saturday after a mob of around 600 people attempted to advance towards Kanto Sabal. During the unrest, around four abandoned houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were set on fire.
Security forces fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs on both the Leimakhong and Kanto Sabal sides to disperse the crowd. Several people were reportedly injured during the security force action.
