Imphal East district, Manipur: The tranquility of Manipur, a state grappling with inter-community strife, was shattered yet again as violent mobs went on a rampage, targeting police establishments and political leaders. In a series of heinous acts, miscreants unleashed a volley of gunfire from Kwakta in the Bishnupur district and Kangvai in the Churachandpur district, leaving the region in a state of panic and fear. Incidents of attempted vandalism, arson, and mob build-up have also been reported, painting a grim picture of the prevailing law and order situation.
The swift response to this mayhem was initiated by a unified front consisting of the Army, Assam Rifles, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and the state police. In a valiant effort to restore peace and stability, a Flag March was conducted in the Imphal East district, persisting well into the night. These joint forces, armed with their unwavering determination, braved the odds and showcased their mettle while the intermittent sounds of gunshots reverberated through the troubled land.
In one distressing incident, an empty house in Langol fell prey to the nefarious intentions of troublemakers, engulfed in flames that threatened the serenity of the locality. The miscreants behind this act of arson remain at large, and the community is left grappling with the aftermath of their destructive behavior.
Notably, a massive mob numbering approximately 1,000 individuals assembled near the Palace Compound, adjacent to the Advance Hospital, in a brazen attempt at vandalism and arson, reported NDTV . The RAF, resolute in their duty to safeguard the peace, resorted to the use of non-lethal measures such as tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the frenzied crowd. However, this operation was not without casualties, as two innocent civilians sustained injuries during the ensuing chaos.
The unrest further spread to Manipur University, where reports of another mob gathering near Thongju surfaced. With an estimated count of 200 to 300 individuals, this unruly assembly sought to vandalize the residence of a prominent local MLA. In an admirable display of control and discipline, a column of the RAF moved swiftly to quell the brewing storm and effectively disperse the crowd, averting potential catastrophe.
Under the cover of darkness, a separate mob embarked on a malicious mission to ravage the Iringbam Police Station’s armory located in the Imphal West district. With their numbers ranging between 300 and 400, these lawless marauders attempted to ransack the station, threatening the peace and stability of the region. Swift action by the RAF succeeded in thwarting their malevolent plans and scattering the crowd, restoring a semblance of order.
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Reports also emerged of a mob, consisting of 200 to 300 individuals, besieging the Sinjemai office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the late hours of the night. However, the presence of an Army column effectively dissipated the dangerous situation, preventing further chaos from engulfing the area.
In yet another targeted attack, the residence of Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, the state BJP president, became a potential victim of vandalism. The timely intervention of the Army and RAF forces prevented the mob from causing harm, ensuring the safety of the esteemed political figure and her property.
This recent spate of violence in Manipur follows the shocking incident where the home of Union Minister RK Ranjan Singh was set ablaze by a mob numbering approximately 1,200 individuals. The perpetrators of this reprehensible act utilized petrol bombs as their weapon of choice, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The escalating violence between conflicting communities in Manipur has cast a dark cloud over the region in recent days. Political leaders have found themselves targeted, leaving the local administration and central government grappling to implement effective peace plans. The law and order situation remains a cause for grave concern, with the volatile circumstances demanding immediate attention and resolution.
As the people of Manipur brace themselves for the uncertain days ahead, the hope for lasting peace and harmony lingers on, as the authorities and security forces continue their arduous struggle to restore normalcy and create a safe environment for all citizens.
