Imphal: Tensions flared along the border districts of Tamenglong and Jiribam in Manipur on Monday after the arrest of two alleged Kuki armed men by central paramilitary forces.
The incident, which went viral on social media, sparked protests and violence.
According to reports, the two men were apprehended by security personnel near the villages of Phaiton and Leingangpokpi, located on the border between the two districts.
Following the arrests, a large group of Meira Paibi, a women’s vigilante group in Jiribam, launched a protest at the district headquarters. The protestors demanded that the arrested men be handed over to local authorities.
Soibam Renu, leader of the Jiribam Meira Paibi, alleged that the central forces were trying to conceal the incident, as they had done in the past. Central force officials, however, maintained that the arrested men would be handed over to the Tousem police station in Tamenglong, as the arrest took place within their jurisdiction.
Adding to the tensions, a farmhouse belonging to a resident of Jiribam was set on fire early on Monday, suspected to be the work of angered tribal groups. Firefighters responding to the blaze were reportedly fired upon, damaging a fire engine. In the ensuing exchange of fire between the attackers and state forces, no casualties were reported.
The incident highlights the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur and the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in the region.