Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: A violent mob stormed an Assam Rifles base in Senapati, Manipur, on Tuesday night after viral social media posts falsely claimed a standoff between troops and the Naga Army. The unrest began at 9:02 p.m. when messages urged residents to gather at the town's traffic point for “necessary action.”
By 9:30 p.m., a large crowd reached the Company Operating Base at Naga Taphou. Protesters pelted the facility with stones and set fire to a civilian Alto car and a nearby waiting shed. They also overturned two Assam Rifles 407 Canter trucks and torched an Assam Rifles Bolero Camper. Security forces eventually deployed tear gas to disperse the rioters.
The chaos stemmed from a routine intelligence-led operation in the Makuilongdi area, located two kilometers from the Oklong village Naga Army camp. The Defence PRO stated that intelligence reports suggested armed cadres were moving outside designated camps while wearing uniforms and carrying weapons, a violation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules. During the patrol, troops detained three individuals, later releasing them to the village chairman.
Army sources maintained they never entered the designated Naga Army camp at Oklong. Despite local rumors of a confrontation, the military claimed the search columns had already withdrawn before the mob arrived. Manipur Police and the CRPF assisted in restoring order. While the violence caused significant property damage, officials confirmed there were no reported injuries.
Naga civil society organizations suggested the aggression reflected deeper frustrations, claiming locals were angry that security forces prioritized patrols over solving the recent killing of six Naga civilians. Authorities continue to monitor the area closely following the night of unrest.
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