Manipur Violence: CRPF Officer Injured, Houses Burned in Senapati

Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Senapati district on Monday, August 24, 2026, leaving a Central Reserve Police Force officer injured and several houses burned, reigniting ethnic tensions in the region. The incident, which began with arson in the early morning hours and escalated into a gunfight, prompted a significant security response and road blockades by protesters.

According to police and security officials, the violence started when a house was set on fire in Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district around 2:30 a.m. This was followed by the burning of several houses at Naga Taphou in Senapati district at approximately 4:00 a.m. The arson attacks led to an exchange of fire between two armed groups in the Taphou Naga area around 9:20 a.m. During this confrontation, a CRPF Sub-Inspector, identified as Pradeep Singh of the 36th Battalion, sustained a bullet injury to his left foot. He was evacuated to Senapati district hospital and is reported to be out of danger.

The circumstances that triggered the initial arson remain unclear, and authorities have not confirmed the identities of those responsible. The violence triggered immediate protests, with locals gathering at...