IMPHAL: A Hindu temple in Manipur was attacked and set ablaze by Kuki terrorists in Senapati district. On the midnight of September 25, suspected Kuki terrorists in Senapati town set fire to a well-known mandir. Previously, suspected Kuki terrorists also targeted Senapati district’s well-known Shri Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir. In the Northeastern state, hundreds of Hindu temples that date back hundreds of years have already been set on fire and vandalised. Local sources claim that the temple has been the victim of two attacks in recent weeks, the second of which caused significant damage.
A burning log is purportedly seen being hurled toward a door inside the temple complex, footage recorded by CCTV footage shown. A masked person was seen in earlier footage ducking behind a pillar and then running away. In a joint statement, the Karong-Senapati Town Committee (KSTC) and the Naga Peoples’ Organization (NPO) vehemently denounced an alleged attempt to set fire to the Shri Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir in Senapati, Manipur. The incident took place early on September 25.
The NPO and KSTC emphasised Senapati’s standing as a tranquil community that upholds religious liberty. It said, “Any elements which work to break social serenity are highly condemnable.” The organisations have urged the authorities to quickly capture the offenders. “Strongly condemn looting & setting of Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir, Senapati, Manipur on fire at around 1 am of 25/9/24,” Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba wrote on Twitter. “Every responsible citizen should condemn such barbaric acts because it’s an infringement of Secularism.” “The offender(s) ought to be booked as soon as possible,” he continued.
According to the Working Committee on Protection of Meitei Temples, which was established under Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL), Kuki narco-terrorists have so far destroyed and vandalised 393 Meitei temples and places of worship amid the unrest in Manipur.
