Despite the state and central governments trying to restore peace in Manipur, especially in peripheral areas, suspected Kuki militants on Thursday carried out arson at Kongba Maru Laipham in Imphal East under the jurisdiction of Sagolmang Police Station at around 1 pm.
Kongba Maru Laipham has been a sacred place for the Meitei community and is located about 22 km from Imphal. The place is also the origin of the Kongba River.
As per reports from the villagers, inhabiting near Kongba Maru Laipham, the incident took place around 1 pm during which an office of Poirei Eethiba Lup (PEEL) was totally damaged and two more shrines of the temple were also damaged.
After the incident, Imphal East district commando along with Sagolmang police station assisted by Gurkha Regiment rushed to the spot for area domination and fired several rounds of bombs and live rounds towards the hill where suspected Kuki militants could be hiding.
At around 6 pm, the combined team came out from the spot as there was no retaliation from the suspected Kuki militants. It is reported that the suspected Kuki militants were in position to ambush the security forces at the hill sides.
It has been reported earlier in the media that Kuki militants have started setting up bunkers at the hill side of Kongba Maru Laipham.
Umang Lai Kanba Lup (UKAL) president M Maniton told the media through telephonic conversation that UKAL strongly condemns the act of arson carried out by Kuki narco-terrorists. He said Kongba Maru Laipham has been a historic place for the Meitei.
And though the Kuki narco-terrorists burned the temple, the Meitei community will re-construct the temple and will not leave the place as it is one of the most important sacred places for the Meitei community, he said.
He also strongly condemned the Government of India for remaining as a mute spectator even as many temples have been destroyed and arson during the clash.
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