Imphal, July 11 -- Fresh tension gripped Manipur after three abandoned Meitei houses were allegedly set on fire near the Kanto Sabal area along the Imphal West-Kangpokpi border on Saturday, prompting a major security operation to prevent further violence.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 1:30 pm when residents working in paddy fields noticed smoke rising from the abandoned houses in Kanto Sabal. Soon after, a large crowd, estimated to be around 1,000 people, allegedly advanced from the Leimakhong side towards the border area, triggering the intervention of security forces.

To stop the crowd from moving forward and contain the situation, security personnel fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs. The operation was carried...