Bishnupur, April 14: Tension flared in Bishnupur district of Manipur on Monday after locals detained a group of armed men who allegedly claimed to be personnel of the Assam Rifles but failed to produce proper identification.
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| Burnt vehicles and debris seen on a road in Bishnupur district after clashes erupted following the detention of armed men who allegedly claimed to be from the Assam Rifles. (Screenshot from viral video) |
According to reports, the incident occurred around 1:30 pm at Thinungei when at least three vehicles - a Bolero, Verna and Swift - carrying several armed individuals arrived in the area. Local residents stopped the vehicles for verification, during which the occupants reportedly identified themselves as Assam Rifles personnel.
However, their inability to produce valid identification documents raised suspicion among the locals. Five individuals were detained by the crowd while others reportedly fled the scene. The detained persons were later taken into custody by security forces.
Following the incident, angry residents set fire to two vehicles allegedly belonging to the group. Some locals suspected the armed men could be Kuki militants posing as security personnel, although no official confirmation has been made.
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The situation escalated when teams from Manipur Police and the Rapid Action Force arrived to disperse the gathering. Protesters blocked Tiddim Road and clashes broke out at several locations, including Ningthoukhong, Nambol and near Bishnupur District Hospital.
Security forces reportedly used tear gas shells, smoke bombs and fired live rounds to bring the situation under control. At least three tear gas shells were fired near the district hospital, causing breathing difficulties among people in the area.
Officials said at least 18 people, including five women, were injured during the clashes as tensions continued to simmer in parts of the district.
