Houses set ablaze by BSF in attack aftermath

IMPHAL, April 22: Consequent upon the attack carried out by underground cadres on a BSF convoy at Kwakta yesterday that claimed the life of a jawan, a combined force of security forces allegedly released their ire on the villagers of Liklai village and set seven houses aflame. Liklai village is in Churachandpur district and is located about 7 kms from Kwakta. Villagers who had to bear the brunt of the security personnel's ire and angst said the combined force came to their village at about 5 pm and fired four 2-inch mortar towards the village. Terrified villagers fled the scene thereafter. The security forces also went about systematically setting the village aflame. Seven houses went up in flames, alleged villagers. Belongings of the villagers including furniture, other valuables including cash were burnt beyond redemption, said the villagers. The total loss incurred in the fire is about Rs 6 lakh, said the villagers. About six bags of paddy also went up in flames. Many villagers were also brutally thrashed. The Liklai Baptist Church was also not spared.