Manipur violence: Mob vandalises Assam Rifles camp after search operation

Imphal: An Assam Rifles camp in Manipur's Senapati district came under attack after a search operation targeting suspected armed cadres triggered unrest, with a mob vandalising the premises and setting security vehicles on fire, officials said on Wednesday.

The violence erupted at around 9.30 pm on Tuesday at the Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town after a crowd gathered following a security operation in the nearby Makuilongdi area.

According to the Defence PRO, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs about the presence of armed cadres near Makuilongdi, around two kilometres west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong.

"Based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed cadres in the general area of Makuilongdi, nearly 2 kms west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong, an area domination patrol and search operation were launched by the Assam Rifles," the Defence PRO said in a statement.

The official said intelligence reports and social media posts suggested that armed cadres had been moving outside designated camps while carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, allegedly violating the terms of the ceasefire.

"Intelligence reports and the social media posts indicated the presence of armed cadres moving outside designated camps, carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, in apparent violation of established Ceasefire Ground Rules," the official said, adding that the reported violations were formally informed to the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG).

During the operation, Assam Rifles personnel advanced towards Makuilongdi and Oklong villages, where local residents, including women, blocked their movement.

As tensions mounted, reports emerged around 9 pm that a large crowd had gathered in Senapati town and was preparing to march towards the Assam Rifles camp.

Although the security columns later withdrew, a mob reached the camp around 9.30 pm and allegedly attacked the premises.

"Despite the withdrawal of the columns, a large mob reached the camp at around 9:30 PM, hurled stones, damaging property and attempting acts of arson," the statement said.

Officials said the attackers vandalised security vehicles and set one light vehicle on fire. Two trucks were overturned and damaged, while a civilian's car was also torched during the violence.

"One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned and damaged, and a civilian's car was also burnt during the violence," another official said.

The Assam Rifles, assisted by the Manipur Police, used minimum force to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from escalating further. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Senapati Police were also deployed to restore order.