New Delhi: A mob attacked a police station in Manipur’s Ukhrul town, and looted firearms amid a clash between two groups. The violence erupted on Wednesday during a dispute over cleaning a contested piece of land as part of the ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ campaign. Three people lost their lives in the clash, while 20 others suffered injuries.
The police station was targeted during the unrest. In response to the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services in the area. The warring groups belonged to the Naga community.
Looted arms included AK-47 and INSAS rifles
“Following the outbreak of violence in Ukhrul, a mob primarily made up of youths stormed the police station at Wino Bazar and made off with government firearms,” news agency PTI reported an official as saying. The exact number and types of weapons taken remain unconfirmed as investigations are ongoing. However, sources suggest that the looted arms included AK-47 and INSAS rifles.
While looting of arms has occurred at various police stations in the ethnically conflicted northeastern state, this marks the first instance of a police station being stormed in a Naga-majority area.
Security forces recover cache of explosives
Security forces recovered a substantial cache of explosives at Senam village in Tengnoupal district, Manipur, on Wednesday. According to a police statement, the haul included 21 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—10 large and 11 medium-sized—alongside 42 country-made grenades, seven No. 36 hand grenades, two Chinese grenades, and 34 petrol bombs.
Additionally, authorities seized one country-made Lathode gun, a rifle, a pistol, two Pompi guns, and detonators. Since May of last year, ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hill-dwelling Kukis has resulted in over 200 deaths and left thousands homeless.
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