SecurityOperation – Mob Attacks Assam Rifles Camp After Search Mission in Manipur

SecurityOperation –Security forces restored order in Manipur’s Senapati district after a violent mob targeted an Assam Rifles camp following a search operation conducted on the basis of intelligence inputs.

Hours after security personnel carried out a search operation in Manipur’s Senapati district, an Assam Rifles camp came under attack from a large group of people, officials said on Wednesday. According to authorities, the incident took place on Tuesday night after tensions rose in the area during a security exercise aimed at locating suspected armed cadres. The violence resulted in damage to government property and vehicles, although no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Search Operation Triggered by Intelligence Inputs

Officials said the search operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence suggesting that armed individuals were present near Makuilongdi village, located around two kilometres west of a designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong. Defence authorities stated that intelligence reports, along with information circulating on social media, indicated that armed cadres were allegedly moving outside designated camps while carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, which could amount to a violation of ceasefire ground rules.

The matter was reportedly communicated to the Ceasefire Monitoring Group for appropriate action while security forces initiated an area domination patrol and search operation in the region.

Villagers Opposed Movement of Security Personnel

During the operation, Assam Rifles teams advanced towards Makuilongdi and Oklong villages. Officials said local residents, including several women, gathered to block the movement of security personnel, creating a tense situation on the ground. Although the security columns later withdrew from the area, tensions continued to build throughout the evening.

Authorities said information was received around 9 pm that a large crowd had assembled in Senapati town and was preparing to march towards the Assam Rifles camp located in the Naga Taphou area.

Mob Damages Camp and Sets Vehicles on Fire

According to officials, the crowd reached the camp at approximately 9.30 pm and allegedly began pelting stones, damaging infrastructure and attempting to set parts of the premises on fire. During the violence, one light vehicle belonging to the Assam Rifles was completely burnt, while two trucks were overturned and extensively damaged.

Officials also confirmed that a private vehicle parked in the vicinity was destroyed in the fire. In addition, a waiting shed situated outside the camp was set ablaze as the violence escalated.

Security Forces Restore Order

To contain the situation, personnel from the Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed to support the Assam Rifles. Officials said security forces exercised restraint and used minimum force while responding to the unrest.

Tear gas shells and blank rounds were fired to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from worsening. By midnight, the gathering had been cleared and normalcy gradually returned to the district.

Authorities confirmed that no casualties occurred during the incident and said the situation in Senapati is now peaceful and under control.

Efforts Continue to Maintain Stability

Officials said district authorities, security agencies and civil society organisations have been working together to address concerns in the area and maintain communal harmony. The latest incident comes amid continuing security operations across Manipur, where forces have been conducting regular patrols and search missions in vulnerable locations since ethnic violence erupted three years ago.

The security presence has also intensified following the July 6 ambush near Shangshak in Ukhrul district, in which two Assam Rifles personnel lost their lives. Three individuals were later detained in connection with that attack as investigations continued.

Manipur has remained affected by prolonged ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of residents, prompting sustained security operations aimed at restoring peace and preventing further violence.