Fresh tension erupted in the Checkon area of Imphal East district, Manipur, as unidentified miscreants set fire to two houses and a shop at different locations on Thursday, one after the other starting from around 1:30 pm. The incident resulted in a heated confrontation between locals and security forces with three injured, including an RAF jawan.
At around 1:30 pm, an abandoned house was set on fire by some unknown miscreants at New Checkon, Imphal East district leading to a gathering of mobs in the area. And to control the mob, security forces rushed to the spot but the womenfolk residing in the locality refused to grant passage, thus leading to a heated argument.
According to the mobs, the first house was reportedly set ablaze by unknown miscreants to create conspiracy in this ongoing unrest situation.
Talking to the media before the scuffle with security forces, they said, “As the miscreants have ignited the house to create conspiracy, we are not allowing anyone to extinguish the fire”.
As the situation escalated, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells, mock bombs and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd, which was approaching from three different directions. In return, the irate mob retaliated with stones and slingshots towards the security forces.
Unfortunately, during the commotion, one woman sustained a head injury and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
And following the confrontation with RAF personnel, a male civilian and an RAF jawan were injured who were rushed to a hospital; the RAF jawan was given first aid on the spot by his fellow jawans.
Promptly responding to the distress call, the fire brigade team arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the flames, preventing further damage. Meanwhile, a combined team of security forces managed to gain control over the situation.
Later, a large mob gathered from Porompat, Nongmeibung area and Andro parking side and tried to head towards New Checkon. To control the mob the RAF jawans fired several rounds of tear gas shells, rubber bullets and mock bombs. The protester also retaliated at the security forces with slingshots and stones.
The confrontation from both sides continued till late evening and till the filing of this report the number of injuries was yet to be ascertained.
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