Miscreants burnt residence of KNO’s Spokesperson Seilen Haokip in Churachandpur

KalimNews, Imphal, 4 July 2023 : The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) Spokesperson Seilen Haokip at Songpi in Churachandpur district was burned down by some miscreants on Monday night. 

Spokesperson of KNO, Dr. Seilen Haokip while talking to a TV channel confirmed the burning of his house, located 5 km from Churachandpur district headquarter. 

He said that some miscreants numbering around 4 or 5 came and burned the house. At that time no one was present in the house. 

He said that the burning of his house may have been caused by the anger of the people for the lifting of the blockade at National Highway 2 in the Kangpokpi area. 

According to sources, soon after the incident fire tenders were rushed to the scene to douse the flames. Most of the property kept inside the house was burned down.

The situation in Manipur took a turn for the worse on July 3 when firing incidents were reported in the Kangpokpi area, located under the Thingsat hill range. Sources indicate that exchange of gunfire also occurred in Phaileng village during the early hours of the day. As of the latest reports, firing is still underway in these areas, adding to the prevailing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Since the start of the state's ethnic unrest on May 3, there have been numerous instances of Meitei community members setting fire to the homes of elected Meitei officials in various parts of the valley, particularly Imphal. However, this is the first well-publicized instance of a Kuki-Zomi leader's residence being targeted in a Kuki-Zomi-dominated area.