Imphal, July 12: Two persons have been arrested in connection with the arson and mob violence at Kanto Sabal village in Manipur’s Imphal West district, even as joint security forces launched operations to prevent any escalation of tension in the sensitive fringe area.

Manipur Police identified the arrested accused as Kammang Lhouvum (65), chief of Hengjang village and chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC), and Pagin Hangshing (30) of Khunkho Kuki village.

The arrests were made by joint teams of the Manipur Police, CRPF, RAF and the Army in connection with a case registered over the mob disturbance and an attempt to set fire to abandoned houses. Police said efforts were underway to trace and arrest other persons involved in the incident.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the violence, describing it as an attempt to derail the ongoing peace process.

“I strongly condemn the arson incident at Kanto Sabal village, Imphal West. Swift action has been taken, and two accused individuals have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the arson and mob violence,” he posted on X.

The Chief Minister said State Police and Central Armed Police Forces had been deployed in the area to prevent any recurrence of violence.

“After a prolonged period of peace, this appears to be an attempt to derail the ongoing peace process by vested interests. I urge everyone to remain calm, refrain from spreading rumours and cooperate with the authorities. The Government is committed to maintaining peace, protecting every citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Defence PRO said a crowd of around 600 to 700 people advanced towards Kanto Sabal on Saturday afternoon, where an illegal blockade had allegedly been set up by another community.

Indian Army columns, supported by Manipur Police, intervened swiftly, separated the opposing groups and prevented the situation from escalating into a communal clash.

According to the Army, the crowd resorted to stone-pelting during the intervention, but security personnel exercised restraint and brought the situation under control.

“During the intervention, the crowd resorted to stone-pelting. Despite the provocation, Security Forces exercised restraint, remained steadfast and successfully brought the situation under control,” the Defence statement said.

The Army added that some miscreants attempted to torch vacant houses in the area. Security forces and police quickly contained the arson attempt, preventing further damage and ensuring there was no loss of life.

The incident occurred in the volatile Kanto Sabal-Leimakhong fringe belt, where tensions have persisted since the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023.

Earlier reports indicated that three abandoned houses belonging to displaced Meitei families at the Ex-Servicemen Colony in Kanto Sabal were targeted in the arson attack. The houses had remained vacant after residents fled during the peak of the ethnic conflict.

Security forces continue to maintain a heightened vigil in the area as police intensify efforts to identify and apprehend others allegedly involved in the violence.