Imphal, July 15: A violent mob attacked an Assam Rifles camp in Manipur’s Senapati district. Officials reported that the crowd engaged in stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. This attack is believed to have aimed at disrupting ongoing security operations against armed insurgents.
During the violence, several Assam Rifles vehicles were damaged. One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned, causing significant damage. Additionally, a civilian’s car was reportedly set on fire.
A defense spokesperson stated that the Assam Rifles initiated area dominance patrols and search operations after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of armed cadres in the Makuilongdi area, located about two kilometers west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp in Oklong.
Intelligence reports and social media posts indicated that armed cadres were moving outside designated camps with weapons and uniforms, violating established ceasefire rules.
The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was formally informed about these alleged violations and related security concerns.
According to the spokesperson, Assam Rifles troops advancing towards Makuilongdi and Oklong villages were obstructed by a large number of people, including women.
The Assam Rifles personnel exercised extreme restraint, engaging with local representatives and assuring them that the operation’s sole purpose was to ensure security and maintain peace in the area. They also assured that no troop would enter any village without the relevant authorities’ permission.
Tensions escalated when a large crowd began to gather in Senapati town around 9 PM on Tuesday, marching towards the Assam Rifles camp. Despite the troops’ withdrawal, a significant crowd reached the camp around 9:30 PM, attempting to stone the camp and vandalize property.
To control the situation, Senapati police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were promptly deployed. On their way back, part of the crowd vandalized Assam Rifles vehicles, setting one light vehicle on fire and overturning two trucks. A civilian’s car was also reportedly burned during the violence.
With the joint efforts of security forces, Manipur police, and CRPF, the situation was brought under control, and the entire crowd was dispersed by midnight.
The defense spokesperson emphasized the commitment of security forces to maintain peace, ensure the safety of all citizens, and uphold the rule of law.
He noted that the security forces have consistently demonstrated restraint and professionalism while fulfilling their duty to maintain security and stability.
Meanwhile, a police officer reported that three suspects have been detained in connection with the ambush on July 6 in Ukhrul district, which resulted in the deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel.
These individuals were apprehended during search operations conducted in the TM Kasom, Litan, and Sikibung areas.
It is noteworthy that on July 6, suspected Naga insurgents ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) near Nungshang Kong in violence-affected Ukhrul district, leading to the deaths of two personnel. The deceased soldiers were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muiva (NSCN-IM) has denied any involvement in this attack, asserting its full commitment to the ceasefire agreement with the central government and the ongoing India-Naga peace process.
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