Imphal: The Republican Party of India (Athawale) is demanding answers after houses burned in Kanto Sabal. The incident happened just 50 metres from a Central security post. It is a massive failure.
Maheshwar Thounaojam, the Manipur State President for the party, slammed the incident as a major security lapse. The homes went up in flames during broad daylight. The owners were away in relief camps at the time.
Maheshwar pointed his finger directly at the 18th Punjab Regiment. He claims the unit failed to explain how the arsonists got through. Officials ignored multiple requests for a meeting, even when a Member of Parliament asked for access.
Protecting civilians remains the job of the state. Maheshwar said, "the failure to prevent the arson despite the presence of security personnel was unacceptable and called for accountability over the incident." He insists that someone must answer for the damage.
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