Manipur: Fresh violence erupts in Churachandpur, residences of Kuki-Zo leaders torched by miscreants

Tensions flared in Churachandpur district of Manipur, late on September 14, after the residences of several Kuki-Zo leaders were targeted by unidentified miscreants. Among those attacked was the residence of Calvin, External Secretary of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which was set ablaze.

The incident unfolded barely few hours after widespread protests rocked the district over the arrest of two individuals accused of vandalism and damaging government property on September 12, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Manipur.

Reports confirmed that the residence of another Kuki-Zo Suspension of Operations (SoO) leader was also torched during the night’s violence.

The home of Ginza Vualzong, Spokesperson of the Kuki-Zo Coordination Committee (KZC) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), was also targeted by miscreants. However, intervention by local community leaders and youths managed to prevent the house from being set on fire. Soon after, army personnel arrived at the spot to secure the residence and provide protection.

Authorities are on high alert in Churachandpur as security forces continue to monitor the situation to prevent further escalation.