Security Tightened After Blaze at Government Office: Following a suspected arson attack, security forces have been deployed in Yairipok Tulihal to prevent further unrest as investigations continue.BY PC Bureau
June 8, 2025: —Amid violent protest by Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol over the arrest of one of its key leaders Asem Kanan Singh, the Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) office at Yairipok Tulihal, located under the Andro Assembly constituency in Imphal East district, was set on fire by unknown miscreants on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. and caused extensive damage to the government facility and vital administrative records. Authorities suspect arson, though a formal investigation is ongoing.
According to reports, the fire engulfed major parts of the building, destroying essential infrastructure and several stacks of official documents before it could be brought under control by firefighting teams. The fire is said to have originated from the back portion of the premises and quickly spread, likely aided by flammable materials stored inside.
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Administrative Paralysis Expected
The Yairipok SDC office plays a crucial role in local governance — handling land records, domicile certificates, electoral documents, and public grievance redressal. Preliminary assessments suggest a significant portion of this data has been lost in the fire, raising alarm about disruptions to public services in the region.
While no injuries have been reported, officials say the loss of these documents could lead to delays in various civic and legal processes for residents in the area.
The Sub Divisional Collector Office in Yaripok,Imphal East set ablaze by unknown miscreants around 7:45 pm today.#Lawless Imphal Valley #NoAFSPA @barandbench @HMOIndia @INCIndia @News9Tweets @IndiaTodayNE @ndtv @NELiveTV pic.twitter.com/Y0Yqeroatq
— Jangmin Touthang (@JangminTouthan1) June 8, 2025
Investigation and Security Measures
Law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale probe into the incident, with forensic teams deployed to collect evidence from the site. Senior district officials have refused to speculate on the motive until investigations are complete. However, the arson comes amid rising tension in Manipur, where political instability, ethnic violence, and administrative shutdowns have rocked public trust in institutions.
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“We are exploring all angles, including whether this was a politically motivated act or part of a broader effort to destabilize administrative functioning,” a senior police official told India Today NE. “We urge the public to come forward with any information.”
Police have also stepped up security in and around Yairipok Tulihal to prevent further attacks. Additional personnel have been deployed and mobile patrol units are operating in the vicinity throughout the night.
Community Response and Speculation
Local residents expressed shock and dismay over the incident. Some fear this may be part of a larger effort to destroy records of land ownership, community demographics, or state aid disbursals — all of which are stored at the SDC office.
A local village elder, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are deeply worried. This office handled everything from ration cards to land deeds. If those are gone, many families will be in crisis.”
Others speculate the act could be linked to broader ethnic or political unrest, given the recent intensification of demands from various groups for political autonomy or territorial reorganization in Manipur.
District officials are in the process of compiling a list of lost documents and are expected to issue a public notification advising affected citizens on how to retrieve or reapply for services. Meanwhile, local leaders have appealed for calm, warning against spreading unverified information.
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The incident adds another layer of volatility to a region still reeling from over a year of ethnic violence, political uncertainty, and deep-seated mistrust between communities.
