In an unprecedented incident in Manipur, a mob set ablaze the vehicle of an IPS officer on duty in the Kwakeithel area of Imphal West on Tuesday night.
The vehicle belonged to K Kabib, the IG (Zone II) of Manipur Police, who was traveling towards Imphal on Tiddim Road accompanied by his escort team. The attack took place around 8.30 pm.
During the incident, one police personnel was injured by a stray bullet that was discharged from inside the burning vehicle, hitting his leg.
In response, security forces used tear gas shells to disperse the mob and later, resulting to arrest of 30 individuals in connection with the attack.
On Tuesday, the arrested 30 individuals were produced before the duty magistrate with a prayer for remanding them to police custody for further investigation of the case. While four of them have been released on bail, the remaining 26 have been remanded to police custody for four days.
Meanwhile, a large number of people thronged at the gate of the duty magistrate located at the quarter of the High Court complex demanding the unconditional release of the arrested individuals.
A press release issued by the Manipur Police Control Room strongly condemned the "dastardly attack" on the IG and his escort team.
The release appealed to the public to refrain from engaging in such anti-social acts, emphasising that the Manipur Police would not tolerate such behaviour. It also stated that efforts would continue to apprehend more individuals involved in the incident.
The release further emphasised that the police were working tirelessly to restore normalcy in the state and called upon the public to cooperate and abide by the instructions of the police authorities.
Urging the public not to obstruct the movement of security forces while they carry out their official duties, it warned that any deviation or obstruction would be met with legal action.
The release also provided information about other recent incidents.
It mentioned a firing incident in Torbung area, Bishnupur district near Kangvai where a security personnel sustained pellet injuries and was evacuated to a Military Hospital.
Additionally, two houses were torched in Phougakchao Mamang Leikai by unidentified miscreants, prompting the security team to retaliate, it added.
Furthermore, the police conducted search operations in vulnerable areas of both valley and hill districts, resulting in the recovery of three firearms, six ammunitions, and the dismantling of a bunker in Imphal East, the release maintained.
Within the past 24 hours, a total of 123 checkpoints were set up across different districts, leading to the detention of 438 individuals for various violations, it added.
The release acknowledged that certain areas remained tense, with sporadic incidents of firing, arson, and the gathering of unruly mobs.
Lastly, the release appealed to the general public to assist in restoring normalcy in the state and encouraged individuals to report any rumours by dialling the rumour-free number - 9233522822 of the Central Control Room.
Additionally, the public was urged to promptly return and surrender any arms, ammunition, or explosives to the police or security forces.
