Manipur – Lawmakers Demand Accountability After Arson Incident in Imphal West
Manipur – A fresh political row has emerged in Manipur after an arson incident in Imphal West district, with elected representatives questioning the response of security personnel deployed in the affected area. The incident, which occurred near Kanto Sabal village on Saturday, has prompted demands for accountability while state authorities continue their investigation into the violence.
Congress MP Raises Questions Over Security Response
Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam expressed serious concern over the destruction caused by the fire, alleging that four houses were set ablaze despite the presence of security forces nearby. According to the parliamentarian, the attackers managed to flee even though security personnel had been stationed in the area in significant numbers.
Akoijam said he had reviewed videos recorded at the scene, which, according to him, showed local residents seeking help from security personnel during the incident. He also claimed that his attempts to communicate with officers on duty did not receive an appropriate response. The MP stated that the conduct of some personnel had raised concerns and called for greater accountability within the unit involved.
Concerns Over Communication and Leadership
While making it clear that he was not blaming the Indian Army as a whole, Akoijam said certain individuals within the deployed unit had failed to meet expected standards of responsibility. He further alleged that efforts by his office to contact the commanding officer were unsuccessful, and that a meeting reportedly scheduled with another officer did not take place.
The Congress leader also claimed that residents informed him similar incidents had occurred several times in the past but had attracted little public attention. He said that compared with the early stages of the state’s unrest, communication and confidence-building measures between communities and authorities appeared to have weakened over time.
Questions Over Intelligence and Investigation
The MP also raised concerns about intelligence gathering, operational preparedness, and the effectiveness of security deployment during the incident. He questioned how those responsible were able to escape if security forces were present close to the location where the houses were burned.
Akoijam said his office is collecting video recordings and other material related to the incident, which he intends to use while seeking a detailed inquiry and greater transparency regarding the actions taken by security agencies.
BJP MLA Calls Incident Disturbing
Reacting to the same incident, BJP MLA Heikham Dingo Singh described the violence as deeply disturbing. He said he visited the affected area along with senior district officials, including the Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Commissioner, to assess the situation firsthand.
Singh noted that the incident occurred close to the Leimakhong Army camp, one of the largest military installations in northeastern India. He questioned how such an act of arson could take place in the vicinity of a major security establishment and said the matter deserved a thorough investigation.
The BJP legislator also confirmed that the issue had been discussed with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to him, security agencies have already detained two to three suspects, while further investigations continue.
Chief Minister Condemns Violence
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an apparent attempt by vested interests to disrupt the peace efforts underway in the state. He said immediate action had been taken following the incident, including the arrest of two accused persons allegedly linked to the arson and mob violence.
The Chief Minister stated that additional police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces had been deployed in the area. He also directed security agencies to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Police Detail Security Measures
According to Manipur Police, a crowd of nearly 600 people attempted to move toward Kanto Sabal village following the incident. Security personnel intervened in time and prevented the situation from escalating into a larger communal confrontation.
Police officials also said that an attempt by unidentified miscreants to set fire to abandoned houses was brought under control quickly, preventing any casualties. A criminal case has been registered in connection with the arson near Leimakhong, and investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.