IMPHAL, Aug 27: Tensions resurfaced in the New Lambulane area of Imphal East district on Sunday after five houses were gutted in the afternoon.
Police were yet to ascertain the cause of the fire till the filing of this report.
Firemen rushed to the spot and put off the blaze, officials said.
Soon after the incident, people gathered in the area and demanded state and central forces deployed in the locality to allow them to enter the area, officials said, adding that the security forces later fired a few rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The fire broke out in the locality dominated by the Kukis where the central security forces guarding the Kuki residents round the clock with security fencing in the entire exit points since the conflict between the two communities erupted on May 3.
At least five houses belonging to Kuki and Meitei communities were reduced to ashes by the inferno, reports said.
In another development, unidentified men snatched three weapons from the security personnel guarding the residence of former health and family welfare director K Rajo around 2 am on Sunday, police said.
The incident took place at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda under Imphal PS in Imphal West district, police said, adding the snatched weapons included two AK series rifles and a carbine.
Investigation is on to determine the circumstances leading to the incident, officials said.
Police, meanwhile, have launched multiple operations to retrieve the weapons and apprehend those involved. (NNN)
