3 october 2024 : On Wednesday, a mob looted arms and ammunition from a police station in Ukhrul, Manipur, following a gunfight that resulted in the deaths of two civilians and a member of the Manipur Rifles. This incident prompted authorities to issue an alert.
A memorandum allegedly circulated on social media warned all police superintendents, police stations, and outposts to stay vigilant and ensure proper security for arms and ammunition in light of the current situation in the state. Additional Director General of Police L Kailun reportedly issued this memorandum, but he could not be reached for confirmation.
Officials reported that the gunfight, which led to the fatalities and several injuries, was sparked by escalating tensions between residents of two villages in Ukhrul over a longstanding land dispute. The conflict began when residents of Hunphun village interrupted students from Hungpung who were cleaning an area in celebration of Gandhi Jayanti.
Police indicated that the mob later stormed the police station, making off with a significant cache of weapons, including eight 9mm pistols, six INSAS rifles, three AK-47 rifles, two 9mm carbines, one SLR, a Sten gun, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
This incident adds to a series of occurrences where mobs have attacked police stations and armories to steal weapons and ammunition amid ongoing ethnic violence between the dominant Metei and Kuki communities, which has been ongoing since May 3 of last year.
