A new outbreak of tensions has emerged in Senapati district of Manipur after an exchange of fire took place between the security forces and some unidentified armed people, resulting in the injury of a CRPF jawan. This happened in the Taphou area on Monday following the arson attack carried out in the same area a few hours back by unidentified elements on two houses of different communities.
Arson Attacks Shake Senapati District
Sources privy to the developments stated that the two houses set ablaze were owned by persons from the Kuki ethnic group and the Poumai Naga ethnic group. However, the motive behind the attack is not known. The wounded jawan, identified as 54-year-old sub inspector Pradeep Singh of the F/36 battalion, has been admitted to Senapati district hospital. He is currently out of danger after the incident. Enraged by the attack, the residents of the area have stopped the flow of traffic on National Highway 2, which is also the Imphal-Dimapur highway, in Senapati. The Taphou Kuki Village administration severely condemned the arson attack on the Kuki house and issued an ultimatum of 24 hours to those who committed the crime.
Root Causes Of The Existing Conflict Between Naga & Kuki Communities
The current conflict is an extension of several months of tension between the Naga and Kuki communities that became worse following the ambush on May 13, in which the kidnapping of 48 civilians from both the communities took place. Although all the hostages were freed after being held captive for almost a month, the murder of six men of the Naga community was found close to Kharam Vaiphei village of the Kuki Community.
"A new outbreak of tensions has emerged in Senapati district of Manipur after an exchange of fire took place between the security forces and …"