Kanggui: Saikot MLA Paolenlal Haokip on Saturday visited Pu Kammang Thadou, also known as K. Lhouvum, and two other persons lodged in jail after their arrest in connection with the burning of vacant houses during a protest near Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district. The three were arrested allegedly on the ground that they were leaders of the protest.
According to police, those arrested were identified as Kammang Thadou, 65, chief of Hengjang village and Chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee, Pagin Hangshing, 30, and Ngamboi Haokip. They were apprehended by joint teams of State Police, CRPF, RAF and the Army. Police said they are searching for more accused who are absconding.
As per reports, the incident took place on July 11, 2026, around 1.30 pm at Kanto Sabal near Leimakhong under Sekmai Police Station. Vacant houses belonging to the Meitei community, abandoned since the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023, were set on fire by a mob. Officials said three to four structures were gutted, belonging to L. Kuber, Th. Leiri and K. Guni among others.
Soon after the arson, a crowd of around 600 people tried to advance towards a barricade allegedly put up illegally at Kanto Sabal. A defence spokesperson said personnel of the 57 Mountain Division and the police intervened, separated the opposing groups and prevented the situation from escalating into a communal clash. The crowd reportedly pelted stones, but security forces exercised restraint and used tear gas and smoke shells to bring the situation under control. No loss of life was reported.
Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam condemned the violence, calling it a deliberate attempt by vested interests to derail the peace process after a prolonged period of relative calm. He said State Police and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed and instructed to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The incident drew widespread condemnation. The Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee termed it barbaric and alleged that six houses and two schools, including Cornerstone Mission School and Hope International School, were targeted. The Uripok Apunba Lup wrote to the Union Home Secretary alleging serious security lapses, as the arson took place in broad daylight near a highly secure cantonment area. The Joint Tribe Council warned that if concerns remain unaddressed, communities would be compelled to reclaim lands allocated to security establishments.
Kanto Sabal lies on the sensitive inter-district boundary between Imphal West and Kangpokpi and has remained tense since May 2023. Local residents alleged that abandoned houses were burnt despite heavy security presence, while those who tried to douse the flames were stopped. Police have registered a case and investigation is underway.
Questioning the arrests, MLA Haokip alleged selective application of justice. He asked why similar action has not been taken in cases of public parading of two women, burning of entire settlements of a particular tribal community in Imphal valley where video evidence exists, and the looting of more than 4,000 sophisticated weapons from police armouries.
He further questioned why leaders allegedly linked with groups involved in the armoury looting remain at large while protest leaders have been detained.
The MLA also criticised jail conditions, describing them as sub-human. He said 88 prisoners are housed in eight small rooms originally meant to be offices for jail staff, while family quarters of Assam Rifles are occupying space that could be used for prisoners.
He stressed that even convicted criminals, and more so those who are merely accused and awaiting trial, are entitled to humane conditions of detention as per law.
Following the arrests, the Committee on Tribal Unity organised mass protest rallies across Kangpokpi district demanding immediate and unconditional release of the detained leaders.
