A violent mob attacked an Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town, Manipur, on the night of Tuesday, 15 July, resorting to stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism in an apparent bid to obstruct a security operation targeting armed militants in the area, defence officials confirmed on Wednesday. The incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions in the already volatile Senapati district, which borders the ceasefire zone of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).

What Triggered the Operation

According to a defence spokesman, Assam Rifles launched an area domination patrol and search operation in the Makuilongdi areas — approximately 2 km west of the designated NSCN-IM camp at Oklong — based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed cadres. Intelligence reports, corroborated by social media posts, indicated that armed individuals were moving outside designated camps, carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, in apparent violation of established Ceasefire Ground Rules. The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was formally notified of the reported violations simultaneously.

How the Violence Unfolded

As Assam Rifles columns approached Makuilongdi and Oklong villages, they were obstructed by a large gathering that included women. Troops exercised restraint and communicated with local representatives, assuring that no village would be entered without the consent of local authorities. Despite the columns withdrawing, a large mob — reportedly gathering in Senapati town from around 9 pm — marched towards the Assam Rifles camp and reached it by approximately 9:30 pm.

The mob pelted stones, damaged property, and attempted acts of arson. Security forces, in coordination with Manipur Police, employed minimum force — firing blank rounds and deploying tear-gas grenades — to disperse the crowd. The Senapati Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were swiftly deployed to assist in restoring order.

Damage to Vehicles and Property

While retreating, a section of the mob vandalised multiple Assam Rifles vehicles. One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned and extensively damaged. A civilian car was also reportedly torched during the violence. The situation was brought under control and the crowd fully dispersed by midnight on Tuesday-Wednesday. No injuries or casualties were reported among the local population or security force personnel.

Situation Now and Broader Context

Senapati is presently peaceful and under control, according to officials. Efforts to address concerns and maintain communal harmony have been undertaken with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and District Authorities. The defence spokesman reaffirmed that security forces remain committed to maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law while exercising restraint.

This comes amid a separate and serious development: three suspected persons were detained in connection with an ambush that killed two Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur's Ukhrul district on 6 July. The detentions were made during search operations in the TM Kasom, Litan, and Sikibung areas. The two slain personnel were identified as Warrant Officer Balwant Singh and Havildar Chandra Mohan Singh, who were killed when suspected Naga armed militants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle at Nungshang Kong along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The NSCN-IM has denied any involvement in the ambush, asserting its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with the Central government and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.

The twin incidents — the Senapati camp attack and the Ukhrul ambush — underscore the fragile security environment in Manipur, where multiple armed groups operate against a backdrop of longstanding ethnic tensions and an unresolved peace process.