Imphal, August 13: Fresh violence has been reported from Kangpokpi district of Manipur, where around 10 houses and a church were set ablaze in Tokpa Naga village in the Champhai area on Tuesday night, according to reports.

The incident has added to tensions in the district, which has remained one of the sensitive areas amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur.

According to initial reports, the violence broke out during the night, with several structures in the Naga-inhabited village reportedly targeted and set on fire. The extent of damage and whether there were any casualties is still being ascertained.

Security Forces Step Up Vigilance

Following the incident, security forces have intensified their presence in the affected area to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Officials are assessing the damage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the arson. The identity of those responsible has not been officially established so far.

The latest incident comes amid continuing tensions between different communities in Manipur, where security forces have been maintaining heightened vigilance along sensitive areas and buffer zones.

Concerns Over Retaliatory Violence

The fresh attack has raised concerns about the possibility of retaliatory violence, particularly given the history of clashes and attacks on villages in Kangpokpi and neighbouring districts.

Community representatives and civil society groups have repeatedly called for restraint, protection of civilians and greater security presence in vulnerable areas.

The latest incident also comes after previous attacks on villages belonging to other communities in the region, underlining the fragile security situation and the continuing need for effective confidence-building measures.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are currently working to establish the sequence of events and identify those behind the attack.

Security agencies are also expected to assess whether the incident was linked to the wider cycle of ethnic violence or was the result of a localised dispute.

With houses and a place of worship damaged, the immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of residents, preventing further violence and restoring normalcy in the affected area.

**Further details, including casualties, the exact extent of damage and arrests, are awaited.**