A mob of 150-200 people set ablaze two vehicles near the Kangla Fort in Manipur, according to sources. The mob also attempted to snatch weapons from the police, which led to the security forces firing at the crowd. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported from the incident. In response, one column each of the Army and the Assam Rifles were deployed to the general area of Songdo village to enforce the cessation of violence. Additionally, there were reports of interference in the Bishnupur market area when additional Border Security Force troops were being inducted. Late at night, Army troops were called in to disperse the mob.

Another mob of 100-200 people gathered at the palace compound, prompting the deployment of troops from the Army and the Rapid Action Force to disperse the crowd. Gunfire exchanges were reported in Yaingangpokpi in the Imphal East district until midnight. The situation is being closely monitored.

The incident follows ethnic clashes between two communities in the Kangvai area of Bishnupur district, where four people, including a Manipur Police commando and a teenager, were killed. Gunfights between the communities continued in the areas where they live in close proximity, despite the presence of a buffer zone created by security forces to prevent escalation.

Since May 3, when the ethnic violence initially broke out during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, more than 120 people have lost their lives, and over 3,000 have been injured. To control the violence and restore normality, over 40,000 central security personnel, in addition to the Manipur Police, have been deployed.

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