Kangpokpi (Manipur), 07 September (HS): An exchange of fire between two armed groups was reported early Monday in Lhunjang village along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, following which a primary school was allegedly set on fire.

According to police, the gunbattle began around 5 am in Lhunjang, under Chalwa Police Station, located approximately 12 km from the police station. The firing reportedly continued for nearly 30 minutes.

Police said armed miscreants approached the village with an apparent intention to launch an attack, prompting security personnel deployed in the area to retaliate. Lhunjang, which has around 40 residents, also houses posts of the Manipur Rifles and personnel of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) displaced from other locations.

No casualties or injuries were reported in the firing, police said.

After the exchange of fire, the attackers allegedly torched the nearby Lhunjang Primary School before withdrawing from the area. The school building was completely gutted in the ensuing fire.

The identity and affiliation of those allegedly involved in the arson have not yet been established. Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances behind the incident.

The destruction of the school has renewed concerns over the impact of the prolonged conflict in Kangpokpi on civilian life and educational infrastructure.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash