Guwahati: A search operation by Assam Rifles to verify intelligence inputs about alleged ceasefire violations by armed NSCN(IM) cadres triggered a violent mob attack on a camp of the central paramilitary force in Manipur’s Senapati district on Tuesday night, with protesters torching three security vehicles and pelting stones at the camp, officials said on Wednesday.This was the third attack against the Assam Rifles in the past 10 days across Manipur and Nagaland. On July 6, suspected militants ambushed an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, killing two personnel. A week later, another Assam Rifles havildar was killed and four others were injured in a suspected IED blast near Shokhuvi in Nagaland.“The three incidents are security concerns for Assam Rifles in Manipur and Nagaland, though there are no official indications that these are linked or part of a coordinated campaign,” a security source said.The defence PRO stated that on Tuesday, “Based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed cadres in the general area of Makuilongdi, approximately 2 km west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong, an area domination patrol and search operation was launched by the Assam Rifles.”The PRO added that inputs indicated the presence of the armed cadres moving outside designated camps, carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, in apparent violation of established ceasefire ground rules, which was formally informed regarding the reported violations, highlighting the security concerns.“During the course of the operation, the Assam Rifles columns approaching Makuilongdi and Oklong villages were obstructed by residents, involving women,” the PRO stated, adding that as tensions escalated, a large crowd gathered in Senapati town and marched towards the Assam Rifles camp.According to the PRO, the violence broke out around 9.30 pm on Tuesday at the Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town.The PRO stated that minimum force was employed to disperse the violent crowd and prevent further escalation, in coordination with Manipur Police, by firing blank rounds and tear-gas grenades.Later, while retreating, a section of the mob vandalised and damaged Assam Rifles vehicles. One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned and damaged. A civilian car was also reportedly burnt during the violence, the PRO stated.The PRO added that the situation in Senapati is presently peaceful and under control and “No injuries or casualties were sustained by the local population or security force personnel.”Intelligence agencies see an increase in anti-security force activity, and these incidents reflect growing resistance to security operations in Naga areas.The NSCN (IM) rejected the Assam Rifles’ account and instead accused the security forces of violating the ceasefire ground rules during the operation.In a statement, it alleged that troops conducted “unauthorised raids”, carried out door-to-door searches without judicial warrants and militarised residential areas in TM Kasom, Makuilongdi and nearby villages. It also claimed that four civilians were abducted during the operation.“The recent military activities of the Indian armed forces in Naga areas are of grave concern; this militarization has created peaceful villages into zones of fear and control. The Indian Security Forces are reminded again that the agreed Ceasefire Ground Rules is a bilateral agreement,” it said.It added that the Govt of India should commit itself to an immediate and independent investigation into these violations of the Ceasefire Ground Rules, strict adherence to the terms of the Ceasefire Agreement and international and independent human rights monitoring of affected areas.
