Imphal, Jan 12: An unruly mob stormed and destroyed a makeshift Assam Rifles camp in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Saturday, allegedly in response to harassment and restrictions imposed on the transportation of timber.
According to police reports, the mob attacked the camp situated in the Hongbei area of Kasom Khullen block, a Naga-majority region. “Assam Rifles personnel used tear gas shells and fired into the air to disperse the mob from the camp area,” said a police official.
The situation turned violent when Assam Rifles personnel allegedly fired shots and deployed tear gas to break up the protest, which further enraged the locals. The protesters, insisting on the immediate withdrawal of the forces, retaliated by destroying the temporary camp.
Tensions initially escalated earlier on Saturday when Assam Rifles personnel reportedly barred the transportation of timber intended for house construction in Kasom Khullen. This action was perceived as an undue restriction by local residents.
Kamjong Superintendent of Police Ningsem Vashum confirmed that residents from nearby villages had blocked roads to prevent reinforcements from reaching the area, intensifying the standoff.
The Assam Rifles is one of the central forces deployed across various parts of Manipur, which has been plagued by ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 2023. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless.
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