Imphal, July 15: Tension gripped Manipur’s Senapati district on Tuesday night after a large mob allegedly attacked an Assam Rifles camp with stones, damaged military vehicles and set one vehicle on fire following an anti-insurgency operation near an NSCN (IM) designated camp.
According to security officials, the violence erupted after the Assam Rifles launched an area domination patrol and search operation based on credible intelligence inputs about the movement of armed cadres near Makuilongdi, around two kilometres from the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong.
Officials said intelligence reports and social media posts indicated that armed cadres were moving outside their designated camp carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, an apparent violation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules. The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was informed before the operation was launched.
As Assam Rifles columns approached Makuilongdi and Oklong villages, they were blocked by local residents, including women. Security officials said the troops exercised restraint and assured local representatives that the operation was aimed solely at maintaining security and that they would not enter any village without the consent of the authorities.
However, the situation escalated around 9 pm, when a large crowd gathered in Senapati town and marched towards the Assam Rifles camp. Although the search columns had already withdrawn, the mob reached the camp about 30 minutes later and allegedly began pelting stones, damaging property and attempting to set parts of the camp on fire.
The Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Manipur Police and CRPF, used minimum force, including blank rounds and tear gas shells, to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
While retreating, a section of the mob vandalised Assam Rifles vehicles. Officials said one light vehicle was set ablaze, two military trucks were overturned and damaged, and a civilian vehicle was also reportedly torched.
Additional police and CRPF personnel were rushed to the area, and the situation was brought under control by midnight.
Security officials said no casualties or injuries were reported among civilians or security personnel.
“The situation in Senapati is presently peaceful and under control. Efforts are underway in coordination with civil society organisations and district authorities to address concerns and maintain communal harmony,” an official said.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in the hill districts, with security forces intensifying operations against armed groups accused of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
