Imphal: Fire destroyed the Patleijang hamlet in Manipur's Ukhrul district during a pre-dawn raid on October 20. The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs) claims NSCN(IM) cadres sparked the blaze around 1 am. The group also reported three rounds of automatic gunfire following the fire. Attackers allegedly moved from positions in Sikibung, Leingangching, and TM Kasom.
The committee is demanding accountability for the security collapse. They pointed to the late arrival of Border Security Force troops, who finally reached the area on October 20 instead of the scheduled October 19. They want to know if this delay invited the attack. Forces from the Army, BSF, CRPF, and Litan Police occupied nearby sectors, yet the village still burned. The committee asked: "Are NSCN(IM) cadres invincible, or has the security apparatus been compromised?"
WCKCSOs officials argued that Kuki-Zo civilians face unequal treatment compared to other groups. They cited the slow progress in investigating the deaths of two water-pipe repairers. Furthermore, the committee claims that police summoning of local chiefs and student leaders creates a climate of intimidation. Residents now suspect that elements within the state and central governments may be protecting the attackers. The committee has called for permanent security deployments and the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the destruction.
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