Imphal, Sep 7 (IANS) Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh told the state Assembly on Monday that the state police are investigating the attack on three villages, along India-Myanmar border, in Kamjong district by armed militants.
The Home Minister told the House that on May 7 this year, armed militants attacked Z. Choro, Namlee and Wanglee villages in Kamjong district along Myanmar border.
The villages are situated very close to the unfenced international border.
Replying to a query raised by the Congress MLA Kangujam Ranjit Singh, Govindas Singh said that one person was injured and 23 houses were burnt down in the militants’ attack.
He added that the state government has assessed the damages in all the villages and estimated the loss of various properties worth more than Rs 5 crore and the reconstruction of the damaged houses has already begun.
The Home Minister said that he along with some MLAs visited the border villages with relief materials just after the incident occurred.
He noted that the villages are located in remote areas and adequate security arrangements have now been made in the area following the incident.
On the question of whether Myanmar-based rebel group Kuki National Front (B faction) was involved in the attack and arson, the Home Minister said.
The investigation of the incident is still underway and it would be too early to comment on whether the said militant group was involved or not.
Five Manipur districts – Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kamjong and Ukhrul — shares a 398 km unfenced international border with Myanmar.
Meanwhile, in a joint operation, conducted by Manipur Police, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) women personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams on Monday at Gampum village under Saikul Police Station in Kangpokpi district and arrested eight cadres Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.
The security forces raided an illegal camp belonging to suspected KLA and recovered seven automatic weapons from the camp.
“The apprehended individuals and the seized arms have been taken into custody for further legal proceedings and investigation. The camp was locked and sealed by the security forces,” a police official said.
–IANS
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