Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUL 15 (NPN): Tension gripped Senapati town late Tuesday night after a mob vandalized two Assam Rifles vehicles and set ablaze a Bolero Camper, following protests against the alleged entry of Assam Rifles personnel into the jurisdiction of NSCN (IM)’s designated camp at Oklong village.
According to reports, the unrest was triggered by unverified messages circulated on social media claiming a confrontation between the Assam Rifles and the Naga Army near Huthrong Brigade. The messages, which began circulating around 9:02 p.m., urged the public to assemble at the town’s traffic point for “necessary action.”
A large crowd soon gathered, accusing the security forces of violating ceasefire ground rules. The agitators marched towards the Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB), demanding withdrawal of troops from Oklong.
The protest turned violent as stones were allegedly pelted at the camp, government property was vandalized, and an Alto car and waiting shed near the camp were set on fire.
Security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the mob. No serious injuries were reported on either side, and the situation was brought under control later in the night.
Official sources clarified that the Assam Rifles had earlier conducted an operation in Makuilongdi and Oklong based on specific intelligence regarding unauthorized movement of armed cadres.
Three individuals were detained for verification but released after confirmation through the village chairman.
Civil society groups in Senapati alleged that public anger stemmed from the perception that the Assam Rifles prioritized operations in peaceful areas instead of pursuing justice for the recent killing of six Naga civilians.
They said this perceived shift in focus fuelled resentment and contributed to the unrest.