Imphal, July 1 -- Suspected cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) allegedly crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and set fire to at least 12 houses and a local market at Kongkan Thana in Manipur's Kamjong district on Wednesday, triggering fresh concerns over security in the border region.

The attack prompted strong criticism from Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who questioned how armed militants were able to carry out the assault just a few kilometres from an Assam Rifles post. He called for the immediate deployment of neutral state security forces, including the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), to strengthen security in the area.

Keishing said Kongkan Thana and other border villages remain highly vulnerable because of their remote lo...