Manipur: 15 houses torched, 1 person shot in fresh violence; 1195 looted arms seized
Officials reported that a bout of fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Imphal West district, resulting in 15 houses being set ablaze on Saturday evening (August 5).
The Centre has sent 10 companies of central armed forces to Manipur to clamp down on violence in addition to the 20 companies sent earlier.
The latest violence happened on Saturday evening in Langol Games village as a mob went on a rampage, the officials said. Security personnel fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control, they added.
Also read: Manipur: 7 illegal bunkers destroyed by security forces after fresh violence breaks out
A 45-year-old man was shot during the violence. He was admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) with bullet wounds on his left thigh, and is stated to be out of danger at present, officials said. The situation improved on Sunday morning, but restrictions remained in place, they said.
Violence in Imphal East
Fresh violence was also reported from Imphal East districts Checkon area where a large commercial establishment was torched on Saturday, officials said. Three nearby houses were also set on fire, they said, adding that firefighters doused the blaze.
The incidents of violence were reported amid the 24-hour general strike called by the coordinating committee of 27 assembly constituencies, which paralysed normal life in the Imphal valley on Saturday.
Reports said that at least six people including a father-son duo have been killed in the last 24 hours while 16 people have been injured in day-long attacks along the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border areas since Saturday morning.
Also read: Manipur: Curfew relaxed for 7 hours in twin districts of Imphal
Police conducting raids
Meanwhile, the Manipur Police said they have so far recovered 1,195 looted arms from different parts of the state. In a statement, it said 1,057 arms were recovered from the valley districts and 138 arms from the hill districts.
Besides, thousands of ammunition were also recovered, mostly from the valley districts. “Security forces have been continuously raiding the hill and valley areas to recover the looted arms and ammunition,” it said in a statement on Saturday evening. Director-General of Police Rajiv Singh said strict action will be taken against the people indulging in looting of arms from security forces.
Ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur in May, and have been continuing for the last three months, claiming over 160 lives. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute another 40 per cent and most of them live in the hill districts.
(With inputs from agencies)
