Unidentified arsonists torch five houses in Manipur’s New Lambulen, sparking fresh tension
On 27 August, a new wave of tension broke out when unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to five houses in New Lambulane, located in Manipur’s Imphal East district.
Local residents speculate that the arson may have been carried out by individuals living in New Lambulen. This perception stems from the fact that the entrances to the lane are heavily guarded, and a large number of CRPF personnel are stationed there throughout the day.
In addition, strong security measures have been put in place on the main road, which is maintained by SSB personnel at all times. This situation leaves minimal room for anyone other than the Kuki community living in the high security zone. Therefore, the allegations suggest that the cooks may have deliberately lit the fire so that it would spread to nearby Meitei houses, as stated by Huidrom Malini, secretary of the New Chacon market women’s union.
As a reaction to these suspicious activities of house burning, residents of the surrounding areas took to the streets to express their condemnation. Police intervened and resorted to tear gas shells to control the situation.
Subsequently, clashes broke out between the police and angry protesters, who accused miscreants of planning to burn houses to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Imphal city.
Notably, the Manipur Assembly session has been scheduled for August 29 by the state government.
New Lambulane, a mixed-population area, saw round-the-clock deployment of security forces to prevent any untoward incident.
