Stones thrown, vehicles set on fire: Mob targets Assam Rifles camp in Manipur

Charred remains of a vehicle after a mob attacked an Assam Rifles camp late Tuesday in Senapati district, Manipur. (PTI)

A violation of ceasefire rules

The NSCN(IM) has been in a ceasefire agreement with the Centre since 1997, and according to the spokesperson, their intelligence inputs and posts on social media indicated the presence of armed cadres moving outside designated camps in violation of the established Ceasefire Ground Rules. The official Ceasefire Monitoring Group was also formally informed about this.

“During the course of the operation, the Assam Rifles columns approaching Makuilongdi and Oklong villages were obstructed by residents, involving women. The columns exercised maximum restraint and communicated with the local representatives, assuring that the operations were aimed solely at ensuring security and maintaining peace in the area and that the columns would not enter any village without the consent of the authorities,” said an official.

Tensions continued to escalate, culminating in a large crowd gathering at Senapati town at around 9 pm and beginning to march towards the Assam Rifles camp, where they reportedly pelted stones and attempted arson. The Senapati police and CRPF were deployed to disperse the mob, and blank rounds and teargas grenades were fired.

“Later, while retreating, a section of the mob vandalised and damaged Assam Rifles vehicles. One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned and damaged. A civil car was also reportedly burnt during the violence. Through the coordinated efforts of the Security Forces, Manipur Police and CRPF personnel, the situation was brought under control and the crowd fully dispersed by midnight. The situation in Senapati is presently peaceful and under control. No injuries or casualties were sustained by the local population or security force personnel,” said the official.