Houses of Manipur minister, MP, 5 MLAs torched; indefinite curfew

Three tribal students' organisations, which had called a 12-hour bandh today are suspected to be behind the arson

Seven houses, those belonging to a minister in the Manipur government, one MP, and five other MLAs, were set on fire this evening by agitators in Churachandpur district following which an indefinite curfew was imposed in the district headquarters.

A senior police officer said that agitators torched the houses of the MP of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat, Thangso Baite, the state's minister-in-charge for Family Welfare, Phungzaphang Tonsimg, and five MLAs, including Manga Vaiphei of Henglep Assembly constituency and Vungzagin Valte of Thanlom.

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

In view of the situation, the administration imposed indefinite curfew in Churachandpur town since late this evening, the officer said.

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

Three tribal students' organisations, which had called a 12-hour bandh today 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 today 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.