Temple attack in Manipur: Lord Shiva temple in Senapati set ablaze by unknown assailants, video surfaces

A Lord Shiva temple in Senapati district, Manipur, was partially damaged after unknown individuals set the temple on fire. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, was captured on CCTV footage. The video shows a burning log being thrown toward the temple's courtyard door, sparking alarm among local residents.

This incident marks the second attack on the Shri Shri Pashupati Nath Mandir in recent weeks. In the previous attack, footage revealed a masked individual lurking behind a pillar before quickly fleeing the scene. Fortunately, in both instances, locals and temple caretakers were able to extinguish the flames before significant damage occurred.

Reports of #Hindu Shiva temple destroyed in Senapati district, #Manipur. Alleged arson carried out by suspected #KukiTerrorists on 25 Sep at 1 AM in Naga dominated area. Are they trying to spread the cycle of violence? or futher complicating the crisis #HindusUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/v78MtxF94M

— Lemna Tharoi (@SeoyahhArmy) September 25, 2024

Condemning the action, the Naga Peoples' Organisation (NPO) and the Karong-Senapati Town Committee (KSTC) issued a joint statement condemning the arson attack. They described Senapati as a peaceful town where various communities coexist harmoniously, practicing their religions without conflict. The organizations expressed their dismay at the incident, calling it an attempt to disrupt the social fabric and harmony of the area.

Local authorities suspect that the arson may have been intended to provoke communal and ethnic tensions. Although no formal statement has been released by the police, investigations are ongoing, and officials have assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba strongly condemned the attack and called for swift action against those responsible. In a post on X, he expressed his outrage, stating: "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." He also urged authorities to ensure the safety of religious sites across the region.

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

Background of ethnic tensions

Manipur has been dealing with the aftermath of severe ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023, mainly between the Meitei community and Kuki tribes. The violence claimed over 200 lives and have displaced thousands of people adding tension to an already fragile peace.