UKHRUL: Several civilians were injured on Tuesday after a mob set fire to two vehicles reportedly associated with security personnel, following the spread of “mischievous and unverified rumours regarding the identity and purpose of the personnel,” Manipur Police reported. Authorities have since imposed restrictions to bring the situation under control.
Earlier in the day, acting on credible information, Police said a joint team comprising the CISF, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Airport Police arrested a suspected drug peddler, identified as Md. Sabir Ahamed of Kwakta Khuman Thongkhong, Bishnupur, at Tulihal Airport in Imphal.
Upon examination, officials recovered approximately 6.74 kg of suspected brown sugar concealed inside six containers. The accused, along with the seized items, was handed over to Singjamei Police Station, where a case has been registered for further investigation.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused disclosed information about a concealed cache of arms and ammunition in the Kwakta area of Bishnupur district. Acting on this input, security forces proceeded towards the location, Police added.
Bishnupur has remained volatile following the April 7 mortar attack by suspected Kuki militants at Toronglaobi village, which killed two minors and injured their mother. Protests have since erupted, with demonstrators, including children, taking to the streets demanding justice.
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Amid one such protest at Thinungei, locals intercepted vehicles carrying the alleged security personnel. According to Manipur Police, the security team was obstructed by local residents at around 1:30 PM in Thinungei, located approximately 20 minutes from Kwakta, after rumours began circulating about the identity and intent of the personnel.
The situation escalated when members of the crowd turned violent, damaging and setting fire to two vehicles linked to the security team. Police also reported attempts by the mob to detain the personnel, further aggravating tensions.
However, local sources and HY News reported that a group of unidentified armed individuals arrived in Thinungei in at least three vehicles, including a Bolero, Verna, and Swift. Locals intercepted the vehicles for verification, during which the occupants allegedly claimed to be Assam Rifles personnel but failed to produce proper identification, raising suspicion.
Reports further stated that locals detained five individuals, while others fled the scene. The detained persons were later taken away by security forces. Following the incident, enraged locals set two of the vehicles on fire.
Police stated that additional forces were immediately deployed, and the crowd was dispersed using minimum necessary force, including tear smoke, to restore law and order. The injured were provided with medical assistance.
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Four individuals have been detained in connection with the mob violence. Meanwhile, the District Magistrate imposed prohibitory orders on Tuesday under Section 163 of the BNSS from 5 pm until further orders, restricting the movement of people. A flag march was subsequently conducted in the area to maintain order.
Police have strongly appealed to the public not to spread rumours or misinformation, warning that strict action will be taken against those involved in spreading rumours, arson, and violence.
Govindas Konthoujam, Home Minister, on Wednesday appealed the public for calm and request everyone not to spread panic or misinformation. Addressing the media Govindas Konthoujam informed that there has been a tense situation in the Bishnupur district since yesterday due to an unfortunate incident which have further escalated in the district.
Govindas stated that based on specific source, a joint team of CISF, Assam Rifles, and State forces apprehended a drug peddler, Sabhir Ahmad, from Tulihal Airport, Imphal at around 10.30 A.M. During interrogation, he revealed the presence of more drugs and weapons at Kwakta, Bishnupur District.
Accordingly, Assam Rifles personnel in plain clothes escorted him to the location. However, on the way, an unfortunate incident occurred when local women, who were frisking vehicles, stopped the team, leading to a miscommunication, claiming that a particular tribe was inside the vehicle which created confusion and suspicion among the public.
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Due to this misunderstanding, tensions escalated quickly, and the situation turned violent. People started attacking, and in the chaos, some individuals were injured. The vehicle was set on fire, and more unrest spread in the area, he added.
He further mentioned that security forces, including Assam Rifles and commandos, arrived and carried out rescue operations. Some people were safely evacuated. Local volunteers and groups also helped in rescuing and controlling the situation. State security forces, along with central forces and the army, have been deployed and combing operations are ongoing to control the situation and prevent further unrest.
The incident reportedly involved armed individuals and has raised serious concerns about safety and law and order. Authorities are working to identify and take action against those responsible within the shortest possible time, Govindas informed.