Mysterious fire guts houses at New Lambulane
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 05 2024:
Three houses at New Lambulane went up in flames amid presence of heavy security in the area on Thursday night.
According to a report, after the Kuki residents left their houses at New Lambulane following the ethnic violence that broke out on May 3 last, central security forces are being deployed in the area.
The forces set up barricades and barred entry of outsiders in the area to prevent any unwanted incidents.
On Thursday around 9 pm, two pucca and one kutcha buildings suddenly caught fire.
As the fire started spreading, the locals converged in the area and fire tenders of Manipur Fire Service also arrived at the area to control the blaze.
Admit the rescue operation, many people raised suspicions on how the fire started suddenly, especially when the area was off-limit to outsiders and guarded by security forces round the clock for the past eight months.
Meanwhile, another group of people tried to block the fire tenders from carrying out the rescue work.
Top police officers including the SP of Imphal West arrived at the spot and took stock of the situation.
Shortly after, the fire brigade was allowed to carry out the rescue work.
On the other hand, after learning of the fire incident in New Lambulane, people from other areas arrived at the location and raised questions on how anyone could enter the area amid high security to commit arson.
The people then raised suspicions that the houses were intentionally set on fire to disturb the peace and blame the locals, and as such, started protesting.
Security forces then fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
While Manipur Fire Services worked through the night to douse the flames, the fire continued to burn till 11 pm.
Mention may be made that New Lambulane is presently guarded by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Amidst tension, additional security forces have been deployed in the areas after the incident.
The Checkon area, densely populated by a mixed community of Kuki-Zo, Naga, Muslim, and Meetei who are already reeling from the impact of ongoing ethnic violence, experienced heightened security measures enforced by the CRPF.
During the intense winter people commonly face fire incidents attributed to the use of electric and local charcoal heaters for warmth within households.
Amidst this incident, speculations and conspiracy theories have emerged suggesting possible foul play.
One theory revolves around the potential involvement of miscreants aiming to shift blame on to the valley's inhabitants, majority who are Meeteis.
This speculation suggests a motive to exacerbate ongoing conflicts and provide a basis for advocating the separation of administration for the Kuki-Zo community, citing the alleged impossibility of living in the valley.