Manipur Violence: In a shocking development amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, a Naga mob stormed a police station in Ukhrul town, looting government firearms. This violent incident occurred on Wednesday during a clash between two groups over a land dispute tied to the Swachhata Abhiyan campaign. The violence led to the deaths of three people, while at least 20 others were reported injured.Unrest leads to looting of firearmsThe targeted police station was situated in Wino Bazar, Ukhrul, an area with a Naga-majority population. This is the first time a police station in such an area has been stormed, though the looting of arms from police stations has been a recurring issue amid Manipurs ethnic violence.“Following the violence in Ukhrul, a mob predominantly comprising youths attacked the police station and made off with a cache of government firearms,” reported an official via PTI. Although investigations are ongoing, sources indicate that the stolen weapons may include AK-47s and INSAS rifles.Internet shutdown and curfew imposedIn response to the violence, authorities in Ukhrul imposed prohibitory orders, restricting public gatherings, and suspended mobile internet services to prevent the spread of misinformation and further unrest. The two warring groups involved in the conflict both belong to the Naga community, highlighting the continuing ethnic tensions in the region.Security forces recover explosives cache in separate operationIn a separate but related incident, security forces uncovered a significant stockpile of explosives in Senam village, located in the Tengnoupal district of Manipur. The seized items included 21 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 42 country-made grenades, two Chinese grenades, and 34 petrol bombs, as confirmed by police reports.The security forces also confiscated various firearms, including a country-made Lathode gun, a rifle, a pistol, and two Pompi guns, along with multiple detonators. This discovery underscores the volatile situation in Manipur, where clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands displaced since the violence erupted last May.Ethnic conflict continues to roil ManipurThe ongoing conflict between the valley-based Meitei community and the hill-dwelling Kukis has severely destabilized Manipur, leading to numerous violent incidents and a breakdown of law and order in certain regions. The looting of firearms, combined with the discovery of explosives, signals the escalating nature of the unrest in this northeastern state.As tensions continue to rise, the government has tightened security measures, but the path to peace remains uncertain in this deeply divided region.
