Imphal, April 14: On Tuesday, 18 individuals, including five women, were injured in violence that erupted in Bishnupur district, Manipur. The unrest began when a crowd set fire to two security force vehicles, according to officials.
The chaos followed the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics from a suspected trafficker at Imphal Airport.
A senior police officer reported that a joint operation was conducted by the Central Industrial Security Force and airport police based on credible intelligence at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport. This operation led to the arrest of Mohammad Sabir Ahmed, a suspected drug trafficker from the Moirang sub-division of Bishnupur district.
Upon thorough inspection of Ahmed’s check-in baggage, authorities discovered approximately 6.74 kilograms of suspected ‘brown sugar,’ concealed within six containers. The seized drugs were handed over to the Singjamei police station, where a case has been registered for further investigation.
During initial questioning, Ahmed provided information about a cache of weapons and ammunition hidden in the Kwakta area of Bishnupur district. Security forces promptly headed to the location based on this intelligence.
However, en route, locals near Thinungei in Bishnupur obstructed the security team, fueled by malicious rumors regarding the identity and intentions of the personnel.
Soon, a crowd gathered and blocked the security vehicles. The situation escalated when some individuals from the crowd turned violent, damaging and setting fire to two vehicles associated with the security forces. Attempts to detain individuals further aggravated the situation.
Additional forces were dispatched to the area immediately. According to a police officer, minimum necessary force, including tear gas, was used to disperse the crowd and restore law and order.
Eighteen civilians were injured in the incident, including five women, all of whom received necessary medical assistance.
In connection with the crowd violence, four individuals have been arrested. Efforts are ongoing to identify others involved in arson, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of security personnel. The investigation is still underway. To maintain law and order in the area, both central and state forces conducted a flag march.
Police have urged the public not to spread rumors or misinformation and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Officials further stated that strict action would be taken against those involved in spreading rumors, arson, and violence.
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