A 36-year-old electric lineman was allegedly shot dead while working on a power line in Manipur’s Tamenglong district early Wednesday, September 23, officials and local authorities said. The killing was followed by reports of arson in two Naga villages in Kangpokpi district, where around 24 houses were reportedly reduced to ashes.
The lineman, identified as Paojangam Chongloi, was reportedly repairing a 33 KV electricity line near Lasan village under Tamei police station at around 4 am when unidentified armed men allegedly opened fire.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Electric lineman allegedly shot dead while repairing a 33 KV power line; 24 houses reportedly burnt in separate arson incident.
Location: Lasan, Tamenglong district; Makui Khuman and Makui Thanamba/Chamruioiu, Kangpokpi district, Manipur.
Authority/Organisation: Manipur Police and local village authorities.
Action Taken: Police have been asked to conduct spot investigations; a Zero FIR has been sought in the lineman's killing.
Impact: One civilian worker was killed and around 24 houses were reportedly destroyed, with affected residents already displaced from the villages.
According to a complaint submitted by a village authority, the attack occurred while Chongloi was carrying out electrical work. The complaint has sought registration of a Zero FIR and a formal investigation into the killing. The allegation that members of the NSCN-IM and volunteers from Langka village were involved has not been independently established.
The Officer-in-Charge of Tamei police station said police personnel were unable to immediately reach the location and that Kangpokpi police had been requested to conduct a spot investigation and take necessary legal action.
In a separate incident several hours later, two Naga villages — Makui Khuman and Makui Thanamba/Chamruioiu — in Kangpokpi district were reportedly attacked and set ablaze around 5 am.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The incidents highlight continuing security concerns in Manipur’s hill districts, particularly for civilians living in or around vulnerable settlements. The destruction of homes also adds to displacement and humanitarian concerns in areas already affected by prolonged violence.
The two villages are located around 2–3 kilometres apart and had approximately 12 households each, according to residents cited in reports. The residents had already been displaced from the villages and were staying at Makui Khunjao.
A resident said that when villagers returned to the area, houses in both settlements had been burnt. The reports put the total number of destroyed houses at around 24.
The identity of those who allegedly carried out the arson has not been independently confirmed. A local village authority has sought immediate government intervention, security deployment, damage assessment and rehabilitation for affected families.
