Temple Attack in Manipur: Arson Raises Concerns of Communal Tensions

A recent incident of arson has left the Shri Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir in Manipur‘s Senapati district partially damaged, following two attacks within weeks. The latest incident occurred in the early hours of September 25, 2024, when unidentified individuals infiltrated the temple compound and set fire to it.

Details of the Attack

CCTV footage from the temple captured disturbing scenes, including a burning log being hurled towards a door within the temple’s courtyard. In another video, reportedly from the first attack, a masked assailant can be seen lurking behind a pillar before fleeing the scene. Thankfully, local residents and temple caretakers quickly responded and managed to extinguish the flames before they could spread further, according to a local civil society organisation.

The joint statement from the Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO) and the Karong-Senapati Town Committee (KSTC) condemned the attack vehemently. “Senapati is a peace-loving town where everyone has been practising their religion. Any element which works to break the social serenity is highly condemnable,” the organisations declared, urging police to apprehend those responsible for the attack without delay.

Concerns Over Communal Tensions

There are growing concerns that this act of arson is a deliberate attempt to incite communal and ethnic tensions within the district. Manipur Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba echoed these concerns in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his strong condemnation of the attack. “Every responsible citizen should condemn such barbaric acts as an infringement on secularism. The culprit(s) should be booked at the earliest,” he stated.

Strongly condemn Looting & setting of Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir, Senapati, Manipur on fire at around 1 am of 25/9/24.
Every responsible citizen should condemn such barbaric act bcoz it’s an infringement of Secularism. The culprit (s) should be booked at the earliest. @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/U2L0M4Q240

— Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba. (@MaharajaManipur) September 25, 2024

Police Response and Context

A police officer in Senapati confirmed that they are treating the situation with utmost seriousness, given the implications that such attacks could have in a district that has remained relatively peaceful since May 2023. However, the police have yet to release a comprehensive statement regarding the incident.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, which has not fully recovered from violent clashes that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community, predominantly in the valley, and the Kukis, who inhabit certain hill areas. Over 220 lives were lost, and nearly 50,000 people were displaced due to the violence. The Meiteis are seeking inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis are advocating for a separate administrative entity, citing historical grievances and resource disparities.

Calls for Unity and Peace

In light of the attack, community leaders and organisations are calling for unity and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Manipur. The temple, a significant place of worship, symbolises the shared cultural heritage of the region, and efforts to undermine it could threaten the fragile peace that has been established.

As investigations proceed, the imperative remains for local authorities to act swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and restoring a sense of security within the community. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against forces that seek to disrupt communal harmony.