Assailants burn BJP minister’s official residence in Manipur

The officials said the Industry Minister of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen’s official residence, was attacked and burnt in a fresh spate of violence by miscreants in the Lamphel area of Imphal’s West district on Wednesday evening. 

Kipgen is the only women minister in the state. She belongs to the Kuki tribe. The officials said she was not at her residence at the time of this attack. Security forces led by senior officers rushed to the spot and launched a search operation to nab the attackers.

Kipgen, who was elected to the state Assembly in last year's Assembly election from the tribal-dominated Kangpokpi seat, is the only woman minister in the BJP-led 12-member council of ministers headed by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

Earlier, the houses of several ministers and MLAs, including PWD Minister Konthoujam Govindas, were burnt down by the attackers in different areas of the state.

Meanwhile, at least 11 people were killed, and 23 others were injured after suspected militants attacked the Khamelock village in the Imphal East district late on Tuesday night. Officials said the death toll is likely to increase as several of the injured are said to be critical.