Senapati/Imphal: A violent mob attacked an Assam Rifles camp in Manipur’s Senapati district late Tuesday, hurling stones, vandalising property and setting vehicles ablaze, officials said on Wednesday. The incident followed an Assam Rifles search operation in the general area earlier in the day, PTI reported.
The assault on the district town’s paramilitary camp occurred at about 9.30 pm when a large crowd reached the barracks and began throwing stones, according to Defence PRO statements. Three vehicles belonging to security personnel were targeted during the unrest.
Defence officials said the search was launched after credible intelligence suggested armed cadres were operating near Makuilongdi, roughly 2 km west of the NSCN (IM) designated camp at Oklong.
“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 statement said, adding that the alleged breaches were formally reported to the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG).
During the operation, Assam Rifles columns moved into the Makuilongdi and Oklong villages, where residents — including women — reportedly obstructed their advance, the Defence PRO said. Tensions rose through the evening, and by around 9 pm a large crowd had assembled in Senapati town and began organising to march on the camp.
Despite the Assam Rifles withdrawing their patrols, a mob reached the Naga Taphou camp at about 9:30 pm and began damaging property and attempting arson, the officials said.
“One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned and damaged and a car of a civilian was also burnt during the violence,” another official added.
Manipur Police and the CRPF were deployed to assist Assam Rifles personnel. Authorities said minimal force was used to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation, and the Senapati Police and CRPF were immediately sent to help control the situation, the statement said.
