Many condemn bid to torch Shiva temple in Senapati
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, September 25 2024: Many condemned the attempted arson of the district s only temple by miscreants as officials from the district administration, superintendent of police, Naga Peoples' Organization (NPO), and Makhrelui Village Authority visited the temple site on Wednesday.

Aftermath of the suspected arson bid at the Shri Shri Pashupatinath Siddheshwar Mandir in Senapati around 1 am on Wednesday, the deputy commissioner of Senapati convened a meeting with members of the Mandir Committee, alongside the additional deputy commissioner and sub-divisional officer.

During the meeting, the deputy commissioner assured prompt action to arrest the perpetrator(s) and bolster security at the temple premises.

The DC also appealed for vigilance against the spread of misinformation that could incite communal tension.

In this connection, the Senapati SP has already issued directives for a dedicated security team at the Mandir and instructed Quick Response Team (QRT) from the Senapati Police Station and Reserve Line to monitor all religious and government institutions within the district headquarters.

The DC also highlighted the district's longstanding peace and communal harmony and urged all residents to uphold the same by maintaining peace, order and tranquillity.

In a joint statement, NPO and Karong Senapati Town Committee strongly condemned alleged attempt to set on fire the Mandir.

They also stated that respect for secular practices as outlined in the Indian constitution should be upheld.

Additionally, both organisations demanded swift action to apprehend those responsible for the incident.

Meanwhile, an NDTV report datemarked Imphal/Guwahati/New Delhi, said the Lord Shiva temple was partially damaged after some people sneaked into the compound at night and set it on fire.

It quoted sources as saying that the temple was attacked twice weeks apart, and caught fire in the second attack on Wednesday.

CCTV footage from the temple shows a burning log being thrown towards a door inside the temple s courtyard.

In another footage, which locals said is from the first attack, a masked man is seen hiding behind a pillar for some time, before he ran away.

Residents and temple caretakers managed to douse the fire before it spread, NDTV quoted a local civil society organisation.

Joining the condemnation chorus, Manipur Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba said: "Strongly condemn looting and setting of Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir, Senapati, Manipur on fire at around 1 am of 25/9/24 .

Every responsible citizen should condemn such barbaric acts as an infringement on secularism.

The culprit(s) should be booked at the earliest" .

A police officer in Senapati told NDTV they have taken the matter very seriously as it seemed the suspects wanted to create trouble in the multi-ethnic district that has remained free from violence since May 2023 .

The police are, however, yet to give a full statement on the matter.

Manipur has also not fully recovered from the ethnic violence that began in May 2023 between the Meetei community and the Kukis - a term given by the British in colonial times.

(With inputs from NDTV) .

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