Manipur Minister’s Home Set on Fire, Security Forces Launch Search Operation

Manipur has been engulfed in violence between the Meitei Hindus and the tribal Kukis since 3 May.

Nemcha Kipgen, the only woman minister in the 12-member Cabinet headed by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

(Photo: Screenshot)

Video Input: Borun Thokchom

Video Producer: Shohini Bose

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam

As violence continues in Manipur, the official residence of the state's only woman minister – Nemcha Kipgen – in Imphal West district's Lamphel area was targeted and set on fire on Wednesday evening, 14 June.

As per officials, Kipgen was not at home when the bungalow of the Industry Minister was set on fire. Manipur has been engulfed in violence that erupted between the Meiteis and Kuki tribes on 3 May.

The incident took place hours after a deadly attack occurred in Manipur's Aigejang village, resulting in the deaths of at least 9 people – most of whom were believed to be civilian volunteers.

While locals said that the targeted civilians had been volunteering their services to assist the community, according to a report by The Hindu which also claimed that the deceased were part of a mob that attacked Kuki villages.

After the minister’s house was targeted, security forces led by senior officials rushed to the spot and launched a search operation.

Kipgen was elected to the state Assembly in last year's elections from the tribal dominated Kangpokpi constituency, and is the only woman minister in the 12-member Cabinet headed by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

She is among the 10 Kuki MLAs who have demanded a separate administration, and is also among the seven Kuki MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

So far, both Kukis and Meities have reportedly decided to boycott the government's peace initiative.