GUWAHATI - The simmering ethnic violence in Manipur reached a boiling point once again as suspected Kuki militants set ablaze nearly 100 abandoned houses, including the residence of a Congress MLA, in the early hours of Sunday. Despite signing a suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with the government, these militants descended from the hills and carried out the destructive act in Serou, a foothill area in the Kakching district, according to local authorities.

This incident marked the second attack in the same area, following the initial assault on May 28, which claimed lives and resulted in numerous burned houses. At the time of the latest attack, the targeted MLA, K Ranjit of the Congress, was present at Sugnu, a location situated 3 km away, along with three BJP legislators.

A group of five legislators, led by Minister Yumnam Khemchand, faced the fury of the local population during their visit to Sugnu on Saturday around 5 pm, as they aimed to assess the situation. The enraged locals expressed their anger over the government's failure to protect their lives and property. One of their immediate demands was the relocation of an Assam Rifles camp from a nearby area, accusing the personnel of inaction against the Kuki militants. Eventually, the mob permitted Khemchand to depart in order to meet Chief Minister N Biren Singh and present the demands of the affected residents. However, the four MLAs chose to stay behind and only left the area on Sunday morning.

A senior official revealed that the government had intended for the MLAs to spend the night there, hoping it would instill a sense of security among the local populace. Meanwhile, Khemchand, in an interview with TNIE, stated that panic had gripped the residents in the wake of these violent incidents.

"The people there don't want the Assam Rifles. They protested before us, demanding the relocation of the camp. I have conveyed this to the CM," Khemchand said. He further explained that the Kuki militants predominantly carried out acts of violence in the foothill areas, descending from the hills to conduct attacks. Sometimes, they even initiated firing from elevated positions. The minister also clarified that the locals had no complaints against the Army or Border Security Force, highlighting the need for adequate deployment of security personnel in the Kakching region.