NPP Manipur, FNCC condemn Leimakhong Kanto Sabal violence; two arrested

IMPHAL — The National People's Party (NPP) Manipur and the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) have condemned the violence and arson at Leimakhong Chingmang and Kanto Sabal on July 11, appealing to all communities to reject violence and work together for lasting peace.

Following the incident, the Manipur Police arrested two individuals.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 pm on Saturday while Kuki residents of the Leimakhong area were staging a protest rally demanding the free flow of essential items. The houses badly damaged during the arson belonged to L Kuber, Th Leiri, K Guni, and L Nungsitombi of the area, who had been living in a safer place since the violence broke out in May 2023.

NPP Manipur State Unit President Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, in a statement on Sunday, expressed deep concern over the incident. “It is deeply disturbing that such an act of violence was carried out in broad daylight and in close proximity to a major army installation,” Dr. Pfoze said.

“This incident raises serious concerns about the security of all civilian populations living in vulnerable and buffer areas,” he added.

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NPP Manipur urged both the state and central governments, alongside all security forces, to immediately provide urgent relief and rehabilitation to the affected families of Kanto Sabal and launch a time-bound investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, condemning the “barbaric and unprovoked attack" at Leimakhong Chingmang and Kanto Sabal, the FNCC, in a statement issued by its information and publicity wing, said the brazen attack occurred within close proximity of the 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong, and in front of the Central Armed Police Forces and the Punjab Regiment.

The FNCC urged the state and central authorities, as well as all security agencies, to act decisively to restore law and order, ensure the safety of all communities, and bring every perpetrator to justice without fear or favour.