Imphal: At least 21 people have been arrested in a fresh clash that took place in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. The incident took place after protesters stopped four vehicles carrying security personnel in civil dress. Five protesters have been arrested.
As per the statement issued by the police, the movement of the security team was stopped while it was on its way to Thinungei, Bishnupur District. They were stopped after the spread of ‘mischievous and unverified rumours’ about the identity and purpose of the personnel.
What Manipur Police say in the statement?
“At around 1.30 PM, while en route near Thinungei, Bishnupur District, the movement of the security team was obstructed by local persons following the spread of mischievous and unverified rumours regarding the identity and purpose of the personnel. A mob gathered and stopped the vehicles of the security forces. Situation escalated when some members turned violent, damaging and setting fire to two vehicles with the security personnel”, said police in a statement.
Sharing further details, the police said that two vehicles among the three were set ablaze by the mob as some of them alleged that the vehicles were carrying Kuki armed militants in civil clothes. Soon after the incident, several teams from the Manipur police rushed to the spot to control the angry protesters.
At least one vehicle torched in the incident
As per reports, at least one vehicle was set ablaze by the protesters. Security forces, including Rapid Action Force (RAF), have deployed in large numbers to bring the situation under control in the area. District officials have also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, from 5 pm until further orders. With these orders, the movements of the people have been restricted.