Manipur: Fresh Violence Reported As Mobs Vandalise Police Armoury

Fresh violence have been reported from Manipur after automatic weapons were fired from Kwakta in Bishnupur district and Kangvai in Churachandpur district last night, and intermittent bursts of firing were being reported till early this morning, said police and army sources.

The sources further stated that multiple incidents of mob build-up and attempted vandalism and arson have also been reported. 

Joint forces of the Army, Assam Rifles, Rapid Action Force and state police undertook a Flag March in Imphal East district till midnight, a NDTV report stated.

The report stated that an arson attempt was reported at the Palace Compound near Advance Hospital. A mob of about 1,000 congregated last evening and attempted arson and vandalism. The RAF fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the mob, in which two civilians were injured.

Mob build up near Manipur University was also reported. 200 to 300 people gathered near Thongju at 10.40 pm and attempted to vandalise the residence of the local MLA. A column of the RAF dispersed the crowd.

Another mob last night also attempted to vandalise the armoury of Iringbam Police Station in the Imphal West district. 300 to 400 people tried to ransack the police station at 11.40pm. The crowd was dispersed by the RAF.

According to Army sources, a mob of 200 to 300 people surrounded the BJP office a little after midnight at Sinjemai, and an Army column dispersed the crowd.

According to army sources, the mob also attempted vandalism at the residence of state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi in Imphal West at midnight, but it was prevented by the Army and RAF. The crowd was dispersed.

The attacks in Manipur come a day after the home of the Union Minister RK Ranjan Singh was burnt down by a mob of 1200 which lobbed petrol bombs.

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