Violence in Manipur; Houses of minister, 5 MLAs torched

Six houses, those belonging to a minister in the Manipur government and five other MLAs, were set on fire on Monday evening by agitators in Churachandpur district.

The houses belonged to Phungzaphang Tonsimg, minister-in charge of family welfare, and five MLAs, including Manga Vaiphei of Henglep constituency and Vungzagin Valte of Thanlom, a police officer said.

It was yet to be ascertained as to which were the three other legislators whose houses were burnt on Monday tonight.

One of the arsonists was hospitalised after sustaining injuries while trying to set fire to a house, the officer added.

Three tribal students’ organisations, which had called a 12-hour bandh on Monday in the hill districts to protest against the passing of some Bills in the Manipur assembly, are suspected to be behind the arson, the officer said.

Three Bills were passed on Monday in the assembly to protect the indigenous people of Manipur. They are The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh amendment) Bill, 2015, and The Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015.

Image: The house of Minister in charge of Family Welfare Phungzaphang Tonsimg up in flames. Photograph: ANI/Twitter