COCOMI termed the Kanto Sabal arson part of a "proxy war" in Manipur, while FNCC demanded a probe into security lapses and swift action against those behind the attack.
Imphal, July 12: The torching of six houses at Kanto Sabal near Leimakhong Army Camp has triggered strong reactions from two major civil society organisations in Manipur, with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) alleging that the incident formed part of what it described as a "proxy war" being waged in the state, while the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) demanded a thorough investigation into the security arrangements that failed to prevent the attack.
In separate statements issued on Sunday, both organisations questioned how the arson could take place in an area located close to major Army and Central Armed Police Force deployments, although they presented different perspectives on the broader political context of the incident.
The incident occurred on July 11 when six abandoned houses at Kanto Sabal, reportedly belonging to displaced Meitei families, were set on fire. The attack took place close to the Leimakhong Army Camp and has since sparked widespread criticism over the response of security agencies deployed in the area.
In a detailed press release, COCOMI alleged that the latest arson was not an isolated act of violence but part of a larger strategy aimed at prolonging the conflict that has gripped Manipur since May 3, 2023.
The organisation claimed that the burning of the vacant houses was carried out by taking advantage of a Kuki protest held near the Leimakhong Army Camp and alleged that the incident represented another phase of what it termed India's "proxy war" in Manipur.
According to COCOMI, accounts shared by local residents, internally displaced persons (IDPs) whose houses were destroyed, and videos circulated on social media raised several unanswered questions regarding the role of central security forces during the incident.
The committee questioned why the protesting crowd was allowed to move close to Meitei residential areas despite heavy security deployment and alleged that when Meitei residents attempted to approach the area in response to the fire, they were prevented from doing so by security personnel.
COCOMI further alleged that even after smoke from the burning houses became visible, security personnel dismissed concerns raised by local residents and reportedly described the smoke as originating from burning tyres.
The organisation also alleged that homeowners who attempted to enter the area to save their burning properties were stopped by security personnel.
"These actions indicate that the attackers were deliberately allowed to target the Meitei houses, thereby creating conditions for the continuation of the unrest," the committee alleged.
While acknowledging the arrest of two suspects by Manipur Police in connection with the arson, COCOMI maintained that merely prosecuting those allegedly involved would not address the root cause of the incident.
The organisation demanded that the investigation should establish who planned the attack, whether there were individuals who instigated it, how those responsible managed to reach the area despite multiple security checkpoints, and whether there were lapses on the part of security agencies.
COCOMI also expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the government's response, stating that the incident should not be treated as a routine law-and-order issue.
The committee referred to remarks reportedly made by Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo, who allegedly attributed the destruction of the six houses to negligence by Army personnel, and urged the state government to investigate those allegations and determine responsibility if any lapses were found.
It further questioned why security personnel allegedly remained passive while the houses were burning but later used force against members of the public who gathered in protest over the incident.
According to the organisation, such actions have contributed to growing public distrust towards central security forces operating in Manipur.
COCOMI also claimed that recent developments, including the killing of six Naga civilians in an earlier incident and the latest arson at Kanto Sabal, were attempts to create divisions between communities.
The committee alleged that efforts were being made to divert public attention from previous incidents of violence and appealed to Nagas, Meiteis and other indigenous communities to remain united.
It urged the Government of Manipur to order an independent inquiry into the incident and take concrete steps to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The organisation further warned that unless confidence in the security apparatus is restored, relations between local communities and central security forces could deteriorate further.
In a separate statement, the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee strongly condemned the torching of six houses at Leimakhong Chingmang and Kanto Sabal.
The organisation stated that the houses belonged to Naga and Meitei families and described the attack as a criminal act that had caused fear among civilians.
FNCC also alleged that Cornerstone Mission School and Hope International School were looted and occupied during the incident.
Expressing concern over the reported damage to Hope International School, the committee noted that its founder and principal, Dr. Manu, had recently been killed and said the attack on the institution compounded the grief already being experienced by the community.
Describing the vandalism of educational institutions as an attack on the future of children, FNCC called for immediate action against all those responsible.
The committee also questioned how such an attack could occur within close proximity of the 57 Mountain Division headquarters at Leimakhong and in the presence of Central Armed Police Forces and Punjab Regiment personnel.
It said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of the existing security arrangements and called upon the Government of Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs and all security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
FNCC demanded that every individual involved in the arson, looting and vandalism be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
The organisation further stressed that violence against civilians, destruction of homes and attacks on educational institutions could not be justified under any circumstances and urged authorities to restore law and order while ensuring the safety of all communities.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the affected families, FNCC maintained that lasting peace in Manipur could only be achieved through justice, accountability and the impartial enforcement of the rule of law.
The statements from both organisations come amid heightened tensions following the Kanto Sabal incident, which has intensified calls for accountability from security agencies and renewed demands for stronger measures to prevent further violence in the conflict-affected state.
