Imagi Meira Seeks FIR, Independent Probe into Kanto Sabal Arson

Imphal, July 16, 2026: Civil society organisation Imagi Meira has submitted a complaint to the Director General of Police, Manipur, seeking registration of an FIR and an independent investigation into the alleged burning of six civilian houses by Kuki and the reported use of force by Central Armed Forces personnel at Kanto Sabal in the Leimakhong area on July 11.

The complaint was submitted through the Officer in Charge of Sekmai Police Station.

According to the complaint, a rally organised by the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee reached Kanto Sabal, where six houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were allegedly set on fire and completely destroyed.

It alleged that when members of the Meitei and Naga communities attempted to proceed towards the affected area to protect lives and properties and prevent further destruction, they were stopped by Central Armed Forces personnel deployed in the area.

The complaint further alleged that security personnel used mock bombs, lathi charge and live firing to disperse the civilians. It claimed that the forces failed to take effective measures to prevent or stop the alleged arson and firing by members of a Kuki group.

Imagi Meira said the allegations, if established through an investigation, would raise serious concerns about the discharge of duties, impartiality and conduct of the security personnel deployed in the area.

It also alleged that a police team led by the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, reached the site only after all six houses had been completely burnt. The organisation called for an examination of the timeliness and adequacy of the response by the authorities.

The complaint stated that videos and photographs related to the incident had been circulated on social media and reported by print and electronic media. It urged the police to collect, preserve and scientifically examine the materials to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

Among its demands, Imagi Meira sought the identification of the commanding officer and all Central Armed Forces personnel deployed at the place of occurrence. It also called for the preservation of CCTV footage, drone footage, body camera recordings, wireless communication records, deployment orders, movement registers and duty rosters.

The organisation urged the police to record the statements of the affected families, eyewitnesses, local residents, police personnel and Central forces present at the scene.

It further demanded an investigation into any possible delay, omission, negligence, dereliction of duty, misuse of authority or failure to discharge statutory obligations by the security forces and civil police authorities.

The complaint sought legal action against every person found responsible, irrespective of rank or position. It also called for adequate security, compensation, relief and rehabilitation for the families whose houses were destroyed.

Imagi Meira requested that the investigation report be submitted to the competent authority of the Central Armed Forces concerned for appropriate departmental and, where warranted, criminal proceedings.

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