Violence Erupts in Manipur as Mob Attacks Assam Rifles Camp
Mob Violence in Senapati District
A large mob reached the camp around 9.30 pm
Imphal, July 15: In a troubling incident in Manipur's Senapati district, a mob attacked an Assam Rifles camp, throwing stones and setting three security vehicles ablaze shortly after a search operation was conducted in the area on Tuesday.
In response, security forces resorted to firing blank rounds and deploying tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd, as reported by the Defence Public Relations Officer from Kohima and Imphal on Wednesday.
An official statement indicated that the unrest followed a patrol and search operation by the Assam Rifles, which was initiated based on credible intelligence about the suspected presence of armed groups near Makuilongdi, located approximately two kilometers from the NSCN-IM camp at Oklong.
The Defence PRO noted that intelligence reports and social media activity suggested that armed personnel were moving outside their designated camps, allegedly breaching the Ceasefire Ground Rules.
The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was alerted about these violations and the related security issues.
During the operation, Assam Rifles units approaching the villages of Makuilongdi and Oklong faced obstruction from local residents, including women.
The Assam Rifles stated that their personnel exercised maximum restraint and engaged with local leaders, assuring them that the operation aimed solely at maintaining peace and security.
They also guaranteed that no personnel would enter any village without the approval of the relevant authorities, as per the statement.
Meanwhile, local sources reported that tensions rose in Senapati after social media messages circulated around 9:02 PM, claiming a confrontation had occurred between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN-IM's Huthrong Brigade Headquarters near Oklong village.
These messages prompted people to gather at a traffic point in town for "necessary action," leading to a significant crowd assembling.
As the crowd swelled, protesters advanced towards the Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB), demanding the withdrawal of forces from the Oklong area.
According to local accounts, a vehicle parked outside the COB was set ablaze, and a nearby waiting shed was also torched.
The Defence PRO mentioned that although the Assam Rifles units had begun to withdraw from Oklong, a large mob reached the camp around 9:30 PM, engaging in stone-throwing, vandalism, and attempted arson.
As tensions escalated, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with Manipur Police, employed what the Defence PRO termed as "minimum force," using blank rounds and tear gas to disperse the crowd and avert further violence.
Personnel from the Senapati Police and the CRPF were promptly deployed to help restore order.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and the CRPF, the situation was brought under control, and the crowd was fully dispersed by midnight, according to the Defence PRO.
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported among civilians or security personnel.