Tensions rise in Manipur’s Senapati after protests, arson and clashes near Assam Rifles camp
Senapati district saw fresh tensions late Tuesday evening as a crowd gathered near an Assam Rifles camp, staged a protest over an alleged standoff, and damaged/
Fresh tensions were reported in Manipur’s Senapati district late Tuesday evening after a large crowd gathered near an Assam Rifles camp. Reports said the gathering began around 9 pm at a traffic point in Senapati town after a message asked people to come out of their homes.
Crowd marches to camp and stages protest
After assembling, the crowd marched towards the Assam Rifles camp (COB) situated above the DC office complex. Protesters demanded the withdrawal of forces from the Oklong area, where a designated Naga Army camp is located under the jurisdiction of Oklong village.
During the protest, a private vehicle parked near the Assam Rifles gate was torched. A waiting shed was also set ablaze by the mob. Security forces later used tear-gas shells and “mock bombs” to control the situation.
De-escalation after troop withdrawal reports, tense again
Officials said the situation started to ease after reports indicated that security personnel had withdrawn from Oklong. However, tensions returned when protesters allegedly overturned an Assam Rifles truck and set two other security force vehicles on fire. The disturbance continued until midnight.
Manipur and the regional defence spokesperson said earlier that an operation was launched by Assam Rifles based on intelligence inputs about armed cadres in the Makuilongdi area, about 2 km west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong. During the operation, columns approaching Makuilongdi and nearby villages were obstructed by residents, including women. Authorities said the columns exercised restraint and communicated with local representatives, stating the operation’s purpose was security and peacekeeping.
Officials also said the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was informed about alleged violations of ceasefire ground rules, based on intelligence and social media inputs about armed movement outside designated camps. No injuries to members of the public or security personnel were reported from the later Senapati crowd incident.
