Digital Desk: A mob destroyed the Assam Rifles Camp in Manipur's Kamjong district on Saturday. The mob accused the Assam Rifles personnel of harassment and restrictions on the transportation of timber.
According to reports, the Assam Rifles allegedly denied timber transportation despite MLA Leishiyo Keishings's request, which heightened the tension among locals. Alleging harassment on the local people, the mob demanded the exit of the Assam Rifles from the area.
The situation turned to the extent that the Assam Rifles had to use tear gas shells and open fire to disperse the protesters from Kasom Khullen Block, a Naga majority area. No casualties were reported during the demonstration.
However, the Assam Rifles refuted the allegation and said that they were manning a post at Hongbei and were inspecting vehicles. They stopped a vehicle carrying timber which had no required documents to enter the village. They also mentioned that the Assam Rifles had to respond with tear gas shells and firing as the protesters turned violent during the time of confrontation.
The Assam Rifles serves various parts of Manipur as the state has been under ethnic violence between Kuki and Meiti since May 2023. This ethnic violence has killed around 250 people and thousands homeless since its eruption in the state.
Officials of Kamjong District Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner along with Tangkhul Naga Civil Society and Assam Rifles met for a discussion regarding the matter. The officials informed that the situation is now stable and no such incident was reported on January 12.
According to reports, the Assam Rifles vacated the camp following the vandalization of the locals of Kamjong.
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