IMPHAL: Around three abandoned houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were set on fire and several people were injured during security force action after tension flared near Kanto Sabal on Saturday, where a mob of around 600 people attempted to advance towards the area, police and local sources said.
According to police, miscreants set fire to some abandoned houses in the Kanto Sabal area. The blaze was later brought under control, and no loss of life was reported.
As the situation escalated, security forces fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs on both the Leimakhong and Kanto Sabal sides to disperse the crowd. Some people were injured during the security force action, though the exact number of those injured was not immediately known.
Police said a case has been registered in connection with the incident, and further investigation is underway. Security forces said they remain committed to maintaining peace and law and order in the area.
“On 11th July 2026 , a mob of approximately 600 individuals attempted to advance towards Kanto Sabal. The Security Forces intervened promptly and prevented a potential communal clash. Attempt by miscreants to set fire to abandoned houses was also swiftly contained, ensuring no loss of life. A case has been registered in this regard and further action is ongoing. Security Force stands committed to maintaining peace, law & order,” Manipur Police took to X.
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Local residents said they had received information that members of the Kuki community would stage a march from the Leimakhong side on Saturday. However, as it is the peak paddy cultivation season, many Meitei villagers from Kanto Sabal were working in their paddy fields while remaining alert.
“At around 1:30 pm, we first noticed smoke and thought protesters were burning tyres. Later, we realised the smoke was coming from abandoned houses that had been set on fire,” a local resident said.
The latest incident comes a week after hundreds of Kuki protesters marched towards Kanto Sabal, a Meitei-majority village, in an attempt to dismantle a checkpoint gate erected by members of the Naga and Meitei community.
The protesters, who advanced from the Leimakhong side, were demanding the lifting of the ongoing economic blockade imposed by Naga groups, alleging that it has caused severe shortages of food grains, medicines and other essential commodities in Kangpokpi district.
