Five Kutcha Houses Gutted in Arson Incident in Manipur; No Injuries Reported

PTI, May 31, 2026, Imphal: Five kutcha houses were gutted in arson by suspected militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place at Kharam Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo village, on Saturday. No injuries were reported.

"Armed miscreants resorted to firing and arson at the village, but security forces brought the situation under control. No casualties were reported," a police officer said.

Locals claimed that armed persons from another tribal community attacked the village and set fire to the houses.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, condemned the incident and called upon authorities to conduct a fair investigation, identify those responsible and take appropriate action.

The organisation also called for measures to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of civilians.

Police also dismissed "statements circulated on social media", which allegedly targeted the district SP.

Police said the allegations against the officer were "baseless", "grossly false" and "do not arise from the facts of the incident".

It also warned of legal action against those spreading disinformation through posts or statements.

Clashes have been reported between armed persons of Naga and Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur since February this year.

Over 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 2023.

Photo: Security personnel deployed in Kangpokpi district following the arson incident in Kharam Vaiphei village.