FNCC demands probe into Kanto Sabal arson
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 14 2026: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an immediate, time-bound investigation into the Kanto Sabal mob violence and arson.

The FNCC submitted the memorandum today through the Governor of Manipur at the Lok Bhavan in Imphal.

The memorandum highlighted the mob violence and arson on July 11, 2026, in which three residential houses at Kanto Sabal, Leimakhong were completely razed to the ground by arsonists.

According to the FNCC, the arson occurred just outside the gate of the 57 Mountain Division Headquarters of the Indian Army-a zone characterized by a heavy, continuous security presence.

The proximity of the attack to a premier military installation has triggered deep apprehension and panic among the local population, the FNCC said.

Highlighting the arson at Kanto Sabal which took place in the presence of a large number of security forces, the FNCC has questioned the adequacy of existing security measures in high-protection zones, the level of operational coordination among active security agencies and potential security lapses that allowed the perpetrators to strike and escape undetected.

"If incidents of this nature continue to occur in areas under significant security presence without timely accountability and effective preventive measures, there is a genuine risk that the general public may gradually lose confidence in the security forces," the memorandum warned, emphasizing that public trust is vital to maintaining lasting peace and the rule of law.

The memorandum outlines a six-point charter of demands urging swift intervention from the Central Government: Immediate investigation: Launch an impartial, transparent, and time-bound inquiry to identify and prosecute those responsible for the July 11 arson.

Security reinforcement: Review and significantly strengthen security deployments in and around the Kanto Sabal and Leimakhong areas to prevent retaliatory or similar actions.

Lapse review: Conduct a comprehensive internal review to pinpoint any security lapses that facilitated the incident and implement immediate corrective measures.

Inter-agency coordination: Enhance operational synergy and intelligence sharing among the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and the Manipur Police.

Relief & Rehabilitation: Provide immediate financial relief, support, and comprehensive rehabilitation packages to the families whose homes were destroyed.Reflecting the gravity of the security breach, copies of the memorandum have also been dispatched to the Union Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri), Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army, the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong.

The FNCC has also urged the Government of India to take decisive, swift action to restore public faith, ensure accountability, and bring lasting stability back to the foothills region.

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