IMPHAL : Former Manipur Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Okram Ibobi Singh on Friday questioned the response of security agencies following the recent violence in border villages of Kamjong district, describing the incident as a serious security failure in the sensitive Indo-Myanmar frontier region.

The violence, reported from the border villages of Namlee, Z Choro and Wanglee in Kamjong district, has intensified political criticism over security preparedness in the area even as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.

Reacting to the incident, Ibobi Singh said the attacks exposed significant gaps in deployment and response mechanisms despite the presence of security forces near the affected villages.

“The unfortunate incident that took place in the border villages near the Indo-Myanmar border is a very serious matter. The affected areas are located close to Assam Rifles posts, yet such an attack still occurred. Therefore, both the Government of India and the State Government must take responsibility and explain their response,” he said.

The Congress leader warned that repeated incidents of violence were worsening the already fragile situation in Manipur and making border regions increasingly vulnerable.

“One incident after another is making the situation in Manipur more dangerous and unstable. Sensitive border areas continue to remain vulnerable despite the presence of security forces, while only a few State police personnel are deployed in such regions. The governments cannot remain silent spectators while people continue to suffer,” he added.

Ibobi Singh further cautioned that similar attacks could recur in other parts of the state unless immediate corrective measures were implemented.

“What happened yesterday in Kamjong district could happen elsewhere as well if proper security measures are not taken immediately. The protection of life, property and security of the people is the responsibility of both the Central and State Governments,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, local Congress leader Victor Keishing alleged that inadequate deployment in the border region contributed to the violence.

“The incident occurred because only a few unarmed police personnel are usually posted in the border areas. Despite the sensitivity of the region and repeated concerns raised by local residents, adequate security deployment has not been ensured,” Keishing said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh condemned the violence and said the government was closely monitoring developments in the affected areas.

“I strongly condemn the violence reported this morning in the border villages of Namlee, Z Choro and Wanglee in Kamjong district. Such acts are deeply concerning and unacceptable,” the Chief Minister said in a statement issued on Thursday evening.

He stated that security forces had been directed to take all necessary measures to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

“The Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Chief Minister held a series of high-level meetings with security officials and legislators to review the prevailing law and order situation in the state.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, DIG BSF Koirengei Suvvender Kumar and Commandant of 64 Battalion BSF Pankaj Kumar met the Chief Minister at the Secretariat, where discussions focused on coordinated measures to address emerging security challenges following the recent disturbances.

The Chief Minister later chaired a Cabinet meeting and also held consultations with NDA legislators regarding the Kamjong violence and the broader security situation in Manipur.