IMPHAL: Unknown assailants torched three houses in Imphal’s New Lambulane and, in a separate incident, stole three firearms from the security team guarding the home of former Health and Family Welfare Director, K Rajo, on Sunday.
Though firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and doused the flames, locals gathered at the site voicing their demands for entry into the area which is currently under the watch of state and central security forces. The gathering’s intensity led security personnel to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
This incident comes on the heels of a surge of violence that occurred in Manipur on August 22, during which a 50-year-old man was found deceased in the Heingang constituency – a key region for Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. On the same day, another individual suffered grave injuries in an armed attack by unknown assailants.
Additionally, a group of unknown individuals targeted and burned down structures in Langol, Imphal West district, including four houses, a hut, and a community hall. In response, the police have taken six individuals into custody, suspecting their involvement in these arson events.
In a separate incident, which took place around 2 am on Sunday at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda in Imphal West district, unidentified assailants seized three firearms from security personnel guarding the residence of Rajo. The miscreants stole two AK series rifles and a carbine. Investigations are currently underway to uncover the circumstances leading up to this alarming incident. The police have launched extensive efforts to recover the stolen weapons and identify those responsible for the theft.
Notably, security forces in Manipur had conducted successful search operations on August 13, resulting in the confiscation of 12 arms, six rounds of ammunition, and eight explosives. These operations targeted vulnerable areas across five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Churachandpur.
Recent operations by security forces also included the seizure of 27 kg of suspected opium, leading to the arrest of two individuals. While sporadic incidents of firing and protest gatherings have been reported, authorities assert that the overall situation in the state remains relatively normal.
Additionally, around 1,580 individuals have been detained across various districts as a preventive measure against potential violations.
