Uripok Apunba Lup has sought a Central investigation into the Leimakhong arson incident, alleging security lapses and demanding compensation, arrests and stronger security measures.
Imphal, July 14: Uripok Apunba Lup (UAL), a federation of clubs based in Uripok, has submitted representations to the Union Home Secretary and the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, seeking an impartial investigation into the July 11 arson incident at Leimakhong's Kanto Sabal village, compensation for affected families, and legal action against those responsible.
In separate memoranda dated July 13, the organisation alleged that six houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were set on fire during the incident and raised concerns over what it described as serious security lapses in an area located close to major Army and Central security force deployments.
According to the representations, the incident occurred in broad daylight within what the organisation described as a highly secured military cantonment area. UAL contended that the destruction of civilian property despite the presence of security personnel has raised questions over preventive measures and the coordination among agencies responsible for maintaining law and order.
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The organisation further claimed that local villagers who attempted to extinguish the fire were obstructed during the incident, resulting in injuries to civilians. It also alleged delays in the arrival of firefighting personnel, stating that the houses had already been reduced to ashes before fire services reached the spot.
Referring to the displacement caused by the ethnic violence that began in May 2023, the memorandum stated that many of the affected residents had already been unable to return to their homes due to prevailing security concerns. It argued that the latest incident had compounded the hardship faced by those families.
In its representation to the Union Home Secretary under the Ministry of Home Affairs, UAL urged the Central Government to order what it described as a thorough and impartial inquiry into the incident, including an examination of the reported security lapses and restrictions on access to the area.
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The organisation also requested that accountability be fixed for any failures in security arrangements and that appropriate compensation and rehabilitation assistance be provided to families whose homes and properties were destroyed.
Additionally, it called upon the authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those allegedly involved in the arson and violence, while taking urgent measures to restore normalcy, facilitate the safe return of displaced residents, and prevent similar incidents in future.
UAL maintained in the memorandum that prompt government intervention was necessary to restore public confidence in institutions responsible for maintaining law and order and to ensure justice for the affected families.
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The organisation also submitted a separate complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, requesting immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a comprehensive criminal investigation into the incident.
In the complaint, UAL requested police to identify and arrest all accused persons at the earliest and ensure that they are prosecuted in accordance with law. It also sought an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including any alleged deficiencies in security arrangements, and asked authorities to provide adequate protection to villagers to prevent further violence.
The organisation described the incident as a matter affecting public safety and public order, urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to uphold the rule of law.
Among the key demands made by Uripok Apunba Lup are:
An impartial inquiry into the July 11 arson incident and the alleged security lapses.
Registration of an FIR and prompt investigation.
Identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Compensation and rehabilitation for affected families.
Strengthened security measures in the affected area.
Safe access for displaced residents to return to their homes.
Measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
The representations were signed by UAL President Soram Tekendrajit and General Secretary Samom Dhruba.
The July 11 arson incident at Kanto Sabal, located near Leimakhong in Imphal West district, has drawn attention from multiple organisations in recent days, with several civil society groups seeking investigations, accountability and enhanced security arrangements.
