Kanto Sabal arson: Manipur BJP MLA blames Kuki agitators, says 2-3 suspects arrested

BJP MLA Heikham Dingo Singh on July 13 alleged that "Kuki agitators" were behind the arson attack at Kanto Sabal village in Manipur, where three houses were set ablaze, and said two to three suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the affected area, Singh said he, along with the district superintendent of police (SP) and deputy commissioner (DC), inspected the site to assess the situation.

"Yesterday's incident took place at Kanto Sabal where three houses were burned down by the agitators of Kuki. I, along with the SP and DC, went there and we inquired about the places and the ground situation," he said.

Calling the incident "very disheartening", the BJP legislator expressed concern that the violence occurred near the strategically important Leimakhong Army camp.

"Leimakhong Army camp is one of the biggest Army camps in the Northeast. Everyone respects this area. In front of the Army, this type of agitation and such type of burning down of houses is very condemnable," Singh said.

He added that the incident had been discussed with the chief minister and the Union Home Minister.

"So far, we have discussed yesterday's incident with the CM as well as the Home Minister. As per the information, two to three culprits have already been nabbed and further investigation is going on," he said.

The remarks come a day after three abandoned houses were set on fire at Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district, further escalating tensions in the violence-hit state.

Authorities have not yet officially identified those responsible for the arson, and the investigation is ongoing.