Fire and Fear in Kamjong: Dozens displaced as flames engulf homes in Kuki-dominated villages of Gamapal and Haiyang, sparking concerns of ethnic targeting.
BY PC Bureau
April 23, 2025 — A devastating arson attack rocked the villages of Gamapal and Haiyang in the Sahamphung Sub-Division of Kamjong district on Wednesday morning, as unidentified miscreants reportedly set fire to multiple houses around 9:00 AM. While Kamjong is predominantly inhabited by Tangkhul Nagas, initial reports suggest that the houses targeted in the attack belonged to members of the Kuki community.
The incident, which threatened law and order and posed risks to human lives and property, prompted the District Magistrate of Kamjong, Rangnamei Rang Peter, to issue an order imposing restrictions on movement and activities in the affected areas starting at 02:00 PM on April 23, 2025, until further notice.
According to the order, the incident posed threat to law and order, creating a risk of public unrest and endangering human lives and property. In response, the magistrate invoked Sub-Section 1 of Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, prohibiting movement and activities in the affected areas starting from 02:00 PM on April 23, 2025, until further notice. Hungyo Yurrekah, SDC of Sahamphung, was appointed as the Executive Magistrate to oversee the jurisdiction of Gamapal and Haiyang, with exemptions only for essential government services and special circumstances like funerals, which require written permission from the Superintendent of Police, Kamjong District.
Reported that two Indian Villages belonging to the Kuki tribal community at the extreme eastern corner of Kamjong district in #Manipur bordering Myanmar were burnt to ashes early today.
The perpetrators are yet to be established as many militants groups are operating in the… pic.twitter.com/rUXGyhm6kl
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) April 23, 2025
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The attack has drawn significant attention on X, with users from the region sharing updates and expressing their concerns. @tjmc_haokip reported on April 23, 2025, at 13:04 IST, stating, “NSCN burning Gampal & Haijang Kuki Village today,” alongside a link to further details, suggesting a possible involvement of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in the incident. Similarly,
@DrLamtinthangHk posted at 13:47 IST on the same day, noting, “Reported that two Indian Villages belonging to the Kuki tribal community at the extreme eastern corner of Kamjong district in #Manipur bordering Myanmar were burnt to ashes early today. The perpetrators are yet to be established as many militants groups are operating in the area.”
Two #Kuki_Zo villages Haijang and Gampal in Kamjong district burned down today..
The perpetrators are yet to be established as many militants groups are operating in the said areas due to violence in neighbouring Myanmar.@narendramodi @AmitShah @rajnathsingh @RahulGandhi… pic.twitter.com/UFY1nObgJk
— Astor (KUKI KA PARIVAR) (@Khulkonns_3382) April 23, 2025
Another perspective came from @TheBlueHills49, who at 14:14 IST on April 23, 2025, described the event as the “Burning of Two kuki villages that sprouted recently and seen as ‘illegal villages’ to the local people,” adding, “The two #kuki village in Gampal and Heijang located in #Ukhrul district were seen burning today. Is it forces of nature fighting illegal sprouting of human establishment?” This post reflects a differing local sentiment, suggesting some view the villages as unauthorized settlements.
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The District Magistrate’s order was circulated to key officials, including the Governor of Manipur, the Chief Secretary, and the Superintendent of Police, Kamjong, indicating the severity of the situation. As investigations continue to identify the perpetrators, the incident has heightened tensions in the region, with residents calling for enhanced security measures to prevent further violence.
