Fresh allegations and counter-allegations have intensified tensions in Manipur’s Kamjong district following the July 1 arson incidents near the Indo-Myanmar border, with Naga and Kuki organisations accusing each other of orchestrating coordinated attacks while demanding immediate intervention by the Government of India.
The Eastern Command of the Naga Village Guard (NVG) alleged that armed Kuki militants, in collusion with the Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), deliberately set fire to abandoned houses at Phaimol village to create a pretext for launching attacks on the Tangkhul Naga settlements of Huimin Thana and Kherongram.
According to the NVG, around 20 armed militants allegedly crossed the Namya River from Phaikoh village near Border Pillar No. 102 before attacking the two settlements. The organisation claimed that 13 houses at Kherongram and seven houses at Huimin Thana were reduced to ashes. It further alleged that 20 temporary camps sheltering about 365 Myanmar refugees at Kherongram were also destroyed in the fire.
The organisation described the attack as part of a planned campaign and alleged that similar tactics had been used during previous incidents in Kamjong district. It urged Tangkhul villages along the Indo-Myanmar border to remain vigilant and warned against further attacks.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) rejected those allegations and instead accused cadres of the NSCN-IM, assisted by the Myanmar-based Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), of setting Phaimol village on fire.
In a statement, KIM described the burning of Phaimol as part of what it termed a sustained pattern of attacks targeting Kuki villages across Manipur’s hill districts. The organisation claimed that Phaimol had been under the protection of Assam Rifles until a day before the incident and called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of security personnel.
KIM also questioned the alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres despite the group’s ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and urged the Centre to strengthen border management and take decisive action against armed groups allegedly operating from across the India-Myanmar border.
The organisation appealed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur and security agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable villages, conduct a transparent investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
Earlier, official sources had confirmed that unidentified miscreants set fire to Phaimol village, destroying 15 houses, while separate arson incidents also damaged houses in Shangkhalok and Huimin Thana. Authorities stated that no casualties were reported as the affected villagers had already been evacuated to safer locations.
Police have registered cases and launched investigations into the incidents. As of the filing of this report, there has been no official confirmation supporting the allegations made by either organisation, and the identities of those responsible remain under investigation.
