Tension gripped the border region of Kamjong after armed militants reportedly set several houses on fire, forcing residents to flee in panic late on Wednesday night.
According to preliminary reports, the attackers entered a remote village in the hill district and torched multiple homes before escaping into nearby forested areas. The sudden assault created chaos as villagers ran for safety, many leaving behind their belongings in the dead of night.
Locals said the attack appeared to be targeted, though the exact motive is still unclear. Some residents claimed that the militants arrived in groups, armed with sophisticated weapons, and carried out the arson attack within minutes. The sound of gunfire and burning structures reportedly spread fear across nearby settlements.
Security forces were alerted shortly after the incident and launched search operations in the surrounding areas. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to prevent further escalation and to secure vulnerable villages in the region. However, officials have not yet confirmed any arrests.
The state of Manipur has witnessed periodic incidents of ethnic and militant violence over the past years, particularly in remote and forested districts. Authorities have often struggled with challenging terrain, making rapid response difficult in such attacks.
Displaced families are currently taking shelter in safer nearby locations, with local volunteers and civil administration providing basic relief such as food and temporary accommodation. Officials have stated that damage assessment is underway to determine the extent of property loss.
Senior police officers have said that an investigation has been launched to identify the group responsible and to understand whether the attack is linked to ongoing tensions in the region. Security has been tightened in adjoining villages as a precautionary measure.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in parts of Manipur, where sporadic violence continues to disrupt civilian life. Community leaders have appealed for calm and urged authorities to ensure stronger protection for residents living in vulnerable border areas.
Meanwhile, residents who fled are uncertain about returning, as fear of further attacks remains high. Authorities have assured that all necessary steps will be taken to restore normalcy and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
As operations continue, security forces remain on high alert in Kamjong district, with efforts focused on tracking down the perpetrators and restoring confidence among displaced villagers.
