Arson incident in Manipur's Kanto Sabal area disheartening: BJP MLA

Imphal, Jul 13 (PTI) BJP MLA Heikham Dingo Singh on Monday visited Kanto Sabal area in Manipur's Imphal West district, where three abandoned houses of one community were torched by a 600-strong mob of another community a couple of days ago, and called the arson incident "very disheartening". He said that two to three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident, which took place on Saturday. A 600-strong mob, taking out a rally from adjoining Kangpokpi, descended upon the area and allegedly torched the abandoned houses while protesting road blockades at several places that affected the supply of essentials to the Kuki-majority district. Speaking to reporters after visiting the affected area, Singh, the local MLA of Sekmai constituency, said, "I, along with the district superintendent of police and deputy commissioner, visited the area and inquired about what happened." "It is very disheartening to learn about what happened. And what is unfortunate is that the arson happened right in front of one of the biggest Army camps in the state. "We have discussed the matter with the home minister, and so far, two to three suspects have been nabbed. Further investigation is underway," he added. Police had on Saturday said Kammang Lhouvum (65), the chief of Hengjang village, and Pagin Hangshing (30), a resident of Khunkho Kuki village, were arrested in connection with the incident. More than 260 people have been killed in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis in Manipur since May 2023. PTI COR ACD