Imphal – Two village defence volunteers have reportedly received bullet injuries during exchange of fire, sources said. Manipur police are yet to confirm the incident. The situation in Manipur continues to remain volatile. Earlier on July 25th, suspected armed miscreants fired in Heikol, Phougakchao Ikhai areas in which three civilians sustained injuries. Security Forces retaliated the firing and repelled the miscreants, Manipur police confirmed.
On the other hand, on July 25, a group of miscreants set afire two buses used by security forces to transport personnel in Kangpokpi district.The incident occurred at Sapormeina when the buses were coming from Dimapur on 25th evening. According to reports a mob stopped the buses bearing Manipur registration numbers at Sapormeina and insisted that they would check if militants were coming in uniforms.
The angry mob thereafter set ablaze both the buses used by security forces. Later on 26th July in the 02 buses burning case at Sapormeina, Kangpokpi, 9 persons including one juvenile were arrested by Manipur police. On 26.07.2023, an unruly mob burnt around 15/16 abandoned houses and partially burnt the Forest Guest House at Moreh. Security Forces intervened and dispersed the mob.
Security forces are also taking extra measures to ensure movement of goods vehicles on national highways in Manipur. Movement of over 1000 goods carrying vehicles on NH-37 and NH-2 with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures have been taken up in all vulnerable locations and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles, police sources said.
On July 24, 2023 police detained one Tata truck at Lilong Chajing, Imphal West and recovered 250 numbers of plastic soap cases suspected to be containing Heroin powder weighing 9.970 kg approximately. A mob demanding the burning of the seized drugs at the spot turned violent and tried to vandalise the vehicle. Two police personnel sustained injuries while controlling the mob.
The police fired tear gas shells and dispersed the mob. Clashes started in Manipur on May 3rd during the solidarity march organised by tribal students union protesting the inclusion of Meitei community in the ST list. In the deadly violences the state has witnessed in the last 3 months, almost 160 people have lost their lives and 60000 thousands were internally displaced.
