In riots-hit Manipur, several houses of Kuki-Zo engulfed into flames

Imphal: In a suspected accidental fire, nine houses were engulfed in flames on Thursday (January 4) night in Checkon area of ​​Manipur’s Imphal East district, raising significant concerns due to the location’s high security, heavily guarded by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
The area, which has a mixed community of mainly Kuki Zos, Nagas, Muslims and Metis, is already reeling from the effects of ongoing ethnic clashes, with tight security measures imposed by the CRPF amid its dense population.

Despite these measures, a catastrophic fire broke out, requiring over an hour for the fire brigade to douse the rising flames.

Manipur, especially during the intense winter, commonly faces fire incidents attributed to the use of electric and local charcoal heaters for warmth within households.

Further details are to be updated.