Fresh Violence Erupts in Manipur's Kamjong as Militants Torch Houses Near Myanmar Border

Fresh violence has erupted along the India Myanmar border in Manipur's Kamjong district , where armed militants torched more than 20 houses across Kuki Zo and Tangkhul Naga villages, prompting heightened security deployment and renewed concerns over cross border militancy.

Officials said around 10 thatched houses were set ablaze at Phaimol , a Kuki Zo settlement located about 45 kilometres northeast of Chassad police station, at around 12.30 pm on Wednesday. The village had already been evacuated, with residents taking temporary shelter in a nearby village for over a week, resulting in no reported casualties. Some local reports said the village church was not damaged.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) condemned the attack, alleging that armed outfits operating from across Myanmar were responsible. It said the repeated destruction of border villages reflected a serious security failure and urged the Centre, the Manipur government and security agencies to strengthen protection in the frontier region.

In a suspected retaliatory attack, militants also torched between eight and 12 houses in Kongkan Thana and adjoining Tangkhul Naga settlements. Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing said the remote villages remain highly vulnerable because of poor connectivity and the presence of armed groups across the border. He alleged that the Kuki National Army (Burma) and Myanmar's People's Defence Force (PDF) remain active in the adjoining region while security movement on the Indian side is limited.

Subsequent reports indicated that the overall damage may be higher, with more than 35 houses and refugee shelters, including shelters accommodating displaced Myanmar nationals, reported destroyed across Phaimol, Kongkan Thana and Sangkalok. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the revised figure. No deaths or injuries have been reported. Central security forces have launched area domination operations, assessed the damage and are attempting to prevent further retaliatory violence. No arrests have been announced and investigators have not identified the attackers.

The fresh violence has also triggered political reactions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre, saying the latest incidents underscored the continued failure to restore lasting peace in Manipur despite President's Rule. Meanwhile, Naga and Kuki organisations have traded allegations over responsibility for the attacks, highlighting the fragile security situation in the sensitive border district.