Imphal: In the wake of an irate mob vandalizing a makeshift camp of the Assam Rifles in Manipur’s Kamjong district, the paramilitary force vacated the site in Hongbei village on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Saturday when villagers stormed the temporary camp, accusing the personnel of harassment and imposing restrictions on timber transportation.
Following the unrest, a meeting was convened on Sunday involving representatives of Tangkhul Naga civil society groups, officials from the Assam Rifles, and the district’s superintendent of police and deputy commissioner.
An understanding was reportedly reached during the discussions, with officials confirming that the situation remained calm thereafter and no further incidents were reported.
The temporary camp had been established by the Assam Rifles to monitor activities in the region. However, residents from nearby villages alleged that the presence of the paramilitary force had resulted in harassment and restricted movement.
On Saturday, villagers from the Kasom Khullen block dismantled the camp, leading to heightened tensions.
The Assam Rifles, however, denied the allegations, stating that the situation escalated after their personnel stopped a vehicle carrying timber without proper documentation on January 11. The force alleged that “nefarious elements” had incited the locals to retaliate. As the mob turned violent, the personnel resorted to tear gas and aerial firing to disperse the crowd. No casualties were reported during the incident.
The Assam Rifles is among the central forces deployed in Manipur to address the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. The unrest continues to challenge law enforcement and peacebuilding efforts in the region.
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