Congress MP Akoijam accused the security forces of negligence on the arson in Imphal West. He said that 4 houses were burnt in front of the soldiers. BJP MLA also condemned the incident and the CM called it a conspiracy to disturb peace. So far 2 accused have been arrested.
Imphal (Manipur) [भारत]July 13 (ANI): Expressing deep grief over the recent arson incident at Kanto Sabal village in Imphal West, Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Sunday criticized the local security unit and accused them of negligence and lack of accountability. The MP alleged that four houses were set on fire right in front of the security forces, who despite heavy deployment failed to stop the attackers from escaping.
Congress MP made serious allegations against security forces
“I saw the video and people were complaining directly to them (security forces),” Akoizam said. He added, “I tried to talk to the officers, and they didn’t even have the common courtesy to respond. I saw this kind of attitude and wonder what they would have done to people, and even with an MP like me, there are some problems with that unit.”
Making it clear that the Indian Army as an institution cannot be entirely blamed, the MP said “rotten elements” within the unit have seriously worsened the situation. He also alleged that his office tried to establish contact with the commanding officer, who did not return calls, and that a promised meeting with a captain never took place.
“This is the first time I have encountered something like this… I learned from the village that this is the sixth time this has happened, and it is rarely reported,” Akoizam said. They pointed to a lack of communication compared to the beginning of the crisis, when there were regular inter-community dialogues to maintain peace.
Raising serious questions over intelligence, ground deployment and tactical failure, the MP questioned how the criminals managed to escape under the surveillance of the Army. “The truth is that while he was standing there, four houses were burnt right there. When his unit is there, he should be held responsible… The leadership ability of the Indian Army is appreciated across the world, but the character that we know about the Indian Army, I did not see that yesterday.” Akoijam said his office is actively collecting video and other documentation of the incident to demand accountability.
BJP MLA and Chief Minister also condemned
Also reacting to the incident, BJP MLA Hekham Dingo Singh described the arson as “very disappointing” and questioned how such violence could happen near the Limakhong army camp. Singh told reporters, “Yesterday’s incident took place in Kanto Sabal, where Kuki agitators burnt houses. I went there with the SP and DC and took stock of the ground situation. The Limakhong army camp is one of the biggest army camps in the northeast. In front of the army, this kind of agitation and burning of houses is highly condemnable.”
The BJP MLA said the matter has been discussed with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “So far, we have discussed matters regarding yesterday’s incident with the CM as well as the Home Minister today,” he said. “As per information, 2-3 culprits have been apprehended so far, and further investigation is in process,” Singh said.
The comments came after tension flared up in Imphal West district following an arson incident near Leemakhong military station and Kanto Sabal village on Saturday. Chief Minister Yumnam strongly condemned the violence, saying it appeared to be a deliberate attempt by “vested interests” to derail the ongoing peace process in the state.
“I strongly condemn the incident of arson in Kanto Sabal village of Imphal West. Immediate action has been taken by arresting two accused for their alleged involvement in arson and mob violence. State police and CAPFs have been deployed, and all security forces have been directed to prevent any recurrence,” the chief minister posted on Twitter. He further urged people to remain calm and avoid rumours, saying that this incident has happened after a long period of peace and seems to be aimed at disrupting the peace process.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police said a mob of about 600 people attempted to move towards Kanto Sabal, but security forces quickly intervened and prevented a possible communal clash. Police said an attempt by miscreants to set fire to abandoned houses was swiftly brought under control, resulting in no casualties. A case has been registered in connection with the burning of houses near Leemakhong, and investigation is underway. (ANI)
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