Imphal, Manipur

Manipur police said that a big group of women-leading protesters confronted the Indian Army and forcefully released 11 miscreants after they were detained with arms and ammunition in the northeastern state's Bishnupur district on Tuesday (April 30). 

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The police said that a unit of the Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army halted and arrested the armed troublemakers wearing police uniforms.

According to PTI news agency, quoting unidentified officials, the army was conducting patrols in the Kumbi region when they intercepted two SUVs.

“On seeing the Army personnel, the occupants of the two vehicles fled, leaving behind their arms,” PTI quoted an official as saying.

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The Manipur Police reported that soldiers from the Mahar Regiment confiscated three AK rifles (along with seven magazines and 210 rounds of ammunition), five INSAS rifles (with 13 magazines and 260 rounds of ammunition), two SLR rifles (including 9 magazines and 180 rounds of ammunition), two hand grenades, bulletproof jackets, and various other items from the possession of the troublemakers.

The police took them into custody. And then protesters ambushed them.

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“A group of womenfolk started gathering and blocked the road so as to prevent the movement of security forces," the police said in a statement.

"On being informed by the Army about the developing situation, District Police rushed to the spot. On reaching, it was informed by the army personnel that the 11 persons have been snatched by the womenfolk during aggressive confrontation with them despite their best efforts,” it said.

“Displaying dogged determination and intent, teams of both Manipur Police and the Indian Army were successful in breaking through a number of obstacles/ barriers created by hostile sympathisers and reach out to the the teams at Kumbi PS. The recovered weapons and ammunitions were kept in safe custody. The mob was later dispersed and the situation was brought under control. Necessary legal action is being taken up,” it added.

Meanwhile, several videos have appeared on social media showing hundreds of women blocking the road, preventing the Army convoy from departing the area. Allegedly, the Army is seen firing into the air to disperse the crowd.

WION cannot verify the authenticity of social media posts

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"Confiscating weapons from village volunteers guarding a fringe area like Kumbi leaves us exposed to possible attacks by armed militants from adjacent hill areas of Churachandpur district," Jaya Khagenbam, a leader of the protesters, told PTI.

"Security forces should remember that their inability to protect villages located at the periphery of the Valley led to the emergence of the village volunteers," she added.

Also read | Manipur violence: Women paraded naked had been denied refuge in police vehicle, reveals CBI chargesheet

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police clarified that the individuals involved in the incident were not connected to the events of April 27 in Naranseina, where two CRPF personnel lost their lives.

“Further, there are reports of rumours on social media by certain handles linking the above miscreants with the incident of 27th April, 2024 at Naranseina wherein 02 (two) CRPF personnel were martyred. Both the incidents are separate and investigation is going on and no linkages with the Naranseina incident have been found till now,” it said in the statement.

(With inputs from agencies)