24-hour ultimatum issued after arson attacks along Kangpokpi-Senapati border in Manipur

The Taphou Kuki Village Authority has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to those responsible for the burning of a residential house in the village to come forward, claim responsibility and resolve the matter according to Kuki customary law, following fresh violence along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border.
 

The ultimatum came after a pre-dawn arson attack at Taphou Kuki Village in Kangpokpi district and a suspected retaliatory attack at nearby Liangmei Taphou Village triggered an armed confrontation and the torching of several houses, officials and local sources said.
 

A pucca house belonging to Paojalun Chongloi at Taphou Kuki Village was allegedly set ablaze at around 2.30 am on Monday, completely destroying the residence, along with valuable belongings and important documents. The family reportedly escaped unharmed.
 

A suspected retaliatory attack was subsequently reported at Liangmei Taphou Village, where an allegedly unoccupied kutcha house near the roadside was torched.
 

The incidents took place in a heavily secured and sensitive area along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border, raising concerns over security arrangements in the region.
 

According to local sources, the situation escalated after villagers from neighbouring Senapati-side villages became involved, resulting in an armed confrontation between people from the two sides.
 

The confrontation reportedly initially involved licensed single- and double-barrel firearms before the situation escalated, with local sources alleging that sophisticated weapons were used from the Senapati side.
 

The escalation allegedly forced Taphou Kuki villagers to retreat, following which at least four more houses in Taphou Kuki Village were reportedly torched.
 

A CRPF jawan sustained a bullet injury to his foot during the reported exchange of fire, according to local sources.
 

The Taphou Kuki Village Authority strongly condemned the burning of the residential house, describing the incident as “highly deplorable, inhuman and unacceptable” and a violation of the rights and dignity of civilians.
 

The Authority said the destruction of homes not only causes loss of property and livelihood but also creates fear, insecurity and emotional trauma among affected families.
 

It appealed to all individuals and groups to immediately refrain from violence, arson and destruction of property and urged that grievances be resolved through peaceful dialogue and lawful means.
 

The Authority also demanded that the district administration, police and other competent authorities investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure justice according to law.
 

In its 24-hour ultimatum, the Village Authority called upon those involved in the burning to come forward, claim responsibility and resolve the matter under Kuki customary law. It warned that failure to do so could lead to an “untoward incident”.
 

At the same time, the Authority appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and work towards restoring peace, trust and peaceful coexistence in the border area.
 

Following the incidents, a shutdown was imposed at Senapati district headquarters.
 

Security forces have been deployed in the sensitive border belt as authorities remain on alert amid fears that retaliatory violence could trigger further escalation.