Mobs clash with security forces in Imphal late into the night, two injured; attempts at torching houses of BJP leaders

Multiple incidents of attempted violence, mob-build up were reported across Imphal yesterday night, while at least two civilians were injured after the Rapid Action Force fired rubber bullets and tear gas

At least two civilians were injured in Imphal after the Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired rubber bullets and tear gas on a mob of 1,000 that attempted arson in the city’s Palace Compound area on June 16. The RAF also dispersed another mob of around 300 that tried to vandalise Minister Thongam Biswajit’s house in Thongju late into the night.

Multiple incidents of attempted violence, mob-build up were reported across Imphal yesterday night. Mobs had gathered in an attempt to vandalise State BJP president A. Sharda Devi’s house near Porompat in Imphal, while an Army column dispersed another mob that had gheraoed the BJP office at Singjamei. Later, joint columns of Army, Assam Rifles, RAF and the police conducted flag marches in Imphal East district.

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In separate incidents, automatic gunfire was reported from Kwakta in Bishnupur district of Manipur and Kangvai in Churachandpur district through the night.

An attempt was also made to loot weapons from Iringbam police station in Imphal West. However, no weapons were stolen.

Earlier in the day, crowds set up roadblocks and torched properties in the heart of Imphal town on Friday, officials said.

Among others, a house belonging to Union Minister R.K. Ranjan Singh was attacked and attempts were made to burn it down on Thursday night. A warehouse near the royal palace belonging to a retired tribal IAS officer was burnt down completely on Friday.