Tension prevailed after protests erupted in Manipur following the detention of three persons in Ukhrul district in connection with the ambush that killed two Assam Rifles personnel.
The detentions were made during search operations in TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung areas.
Claiming that the trio were innocent, the residents staged protests demanding their release and even pelted stones at security personnel and indulged in arson.
Sources said an aggressive violent crowd hasld gathered at an Assam Rifles post in Senapati near the NSCN-IM’s Huthrong Brigade’s camp in Oklong. Security forces are maintaining extreme restraint to contain the hostile crowd and prevent arson, sources added.
Earlier, an intelligence-based operation was launched by security forces in the areas of TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung to arrest the perpetrators of the ambush on security forces in Ukhrul district on July 6, and detained three persons.
On July 6, Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar CM Singh were killed when suspected militants ambushed a convoy returning to the 40th Assam Rifles Battalion headquarters at Shangshak near Nungshang Khong, about 17 km from the Ukhrul district headquarters.
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul Naga tribe, alleged that four civilians had been picked up by security forces during the search operations and demanded their immediate release.
The organisation said Wungphayo Kasar (24), AS Ninglum (29), Yaoreingam Lungleng (24) and Vareiyo Lungleng (56), residents of Sharkaphung (Sikibung) village in Kamjong district, were “whisked away” during the combing operations.
The TNL demanded their release within 24 hours, warning that failure to do so could trigger widespread protest against the state government.
3 suspects held in connection with Manipur ambush on AR convoy; violent protests erupt
