Mob attacks Assam Rifles camp in Manipur, torches vehicles after search operation | Today’s news
A mob vandalized an Assam Rifles camp and torched security vehicles in Manipur’s Senapati district on Tuesday evening, hours after forces conducted a search operation based on intelligence about the presence of armed cadres in the area, officials said.
According to the Defense PRO, the search and capture operation was launched after intelligence reports and social media posts indicated the presence of armed cadres near Makuilongdi, about 2 km west of the National Socialist Council Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) NSCN (IM) camp in Oklong.
In a statement to news agency PTI, the spokesman said the information was shared with the ceasefire monitoring group, which concluded that the armed cadres in uniform were violating the basic rules of the ceasefire.
During the operation, residents, including women, blocked Assam Rifles personnel from advancing towards Makuilongdi and Oklong villages. Troops have been instructed to exercise maximum restraint and coordinate with local residents to maintain peace and stability, the Defense PRO said.
Tensions escalated around 9:00 pm when a large crowd gathered in Senapati town and marched towards the Assam Rifles deployment at Naga Tophou. The mob reached the camp around 9.30pm and allegedly threw stones, attempted arson and damaged property.
According to officials, two Assam Rifle vehicles were damaged, two trucks were overturned, a civilian car was set on fire and a waiting shed outside the camp was also burnt.
Senapati District Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were immediately deployed to bring the situation under control. Officials said security forces used minimal force, firing live rounds and tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
According to a district official, no civilians or security personnel were injured in the incident. The authorities along with civil society organizations are working to maintain harmony among the communities in the area.
The incident took place at a time of ongoing security problems in Manipur. On July 6, two Assam Rifle crewmen were killed after suspected militants ambushed a convoy near Shangshak, about 17 km from the Ukhrul district headquarters.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in 2023, security forces have been conducting regular search operations and area control exercises in vulnerable parts of the state. The conflict claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of people.
