Imphal, Jan 27 (NationPress) Tensions have escalated in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur after the destruction of three houses and four temporary huts by fire, leading security forces to initiate operations in the region, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

A police representative mentioned that investigations are currently underway regarding the incident that took place in K. Songlung Part II village, situated approximately 23 km from the Kangchup Police Station in the predominantly tribal Kangpokpi district.

Pro-Meitei groups accused suspected members of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–Kamson) of being responsible for the arson that occurred on Monday.

According to locals, a Gypsy vehicle was completely consumed by the flames, and a Jeep, along with several other vehicles, suffered partial damage. Stored paddy, food grains, gas cylinders, and other household items within the homes were also lost.

In the aftermath, a joint assembly of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC) strongly condemned the daylight arson, stating that it incited fear among residents and resulted in considerable property loss.

The two leading tribal organizations urged all communities and involved parties to uphold peace and avoid any kind of inter-community conflict. They also warned against the dissemination of rumors and false information on social media that could exacerbate tensions.

The joint meeting expressed solidarity with the families affected and called on authorities for prompt relief measures and justice.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the principal body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, also vehemently denounced the incident, highlighting that it occurred on a day dedicated to national celebrations—77th Republic Day.

In their statement, the KZC remarked that for the Kuki-Zo community, the day represented yet another grim chapter of violence and insecurity, claiming that since May 3, 2023, over 7,000 Kuki-Zo homes have been destroyed, resulting in more than 150 fatalities.

The statement further noted that despite the implementation of President's Rule in Manipur, targeted assaults on the Kuki-Zo community persist, which they view as a failure of governance and security.

The KZC also indicated that the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson) has taken credit for the destruction of K. Songlung village, attributing it to alleged poppy farming and land disputes.

They asserted that such issues ought to be resolved through lawful entities like the police and district administration.

Labeling the act as vigilantism, the KZC demanded the immediate deployment of more security personnel, suitable compensation for the impacted families, and prompt apprehension and punishment of those accountable.

In a separate declaration, the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) stated that as part of initiatives against illegal poppy cultivation, the Zeliangrong United Front claimed responsibility for dismantling and destroying at least three farmhouses in the Waphong Inthan area.

The FNCC asserted that the structures were allegedly used by individuals engaged in extensive poppy farming.