Northeast Desk, 4th August: A tragic incident unfolded in Manipur’s Bishnupur district in the Imphal West as mobs ransacked two security posts on Thursday, resulting in the death of a police officer. The irate mob also looted arms and ammunition, including automatic guns, from the posts.
According to Manipur Police, the mob, consisting of both men and women, targeted the Keirenphabi Police Outpost and Thangalawai Police Outpost of the Manipur Armed Police Second Battalion. Subsequently, they seized weapons from the posts.
The situation worsened when the mob tried to break into the police stations in Heingang and Singjamei and steal weapons and ammunition, but security personnel stopped them. The confrontation led to a crossfire between security forces and the armed attackers in Koutruk, Haraothel, and Senjam Chirang areas. Two people, including security personnel, sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
In another unfortunate incident, a Manipur Police personnel lost his life in Senham Chirang, Imphal West, after being shot in the head by a sniper. Additionally, a village volunteer suffered injuries when suspected militants fired several rounds from nearby hill ranges in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang.
As a sizable gathering of between 500 and 600 people assembled at Phougakchao Ikhai near the boundary between Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, the situation worsened. Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the mob, resulting in around 25 people sustaining minor injuries.