Manipur Violence: Fresh arms, ammunition, mortars looted from IRB camp in Manipur

195 SLRs, 1 AK rifle, around 24 INSAS, 3 2.51 mm mortars, Light Machine guns, and other arms were also looted

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Fresh arms and ammunition, including AK Rifles, INSAS rifles, INSAS LMG (Light Machine Guns), and mortars, were looted by a mob in Manipur on Thursday, raising serious questions on the law and order scenario in the state once again.

As per sources, a mob allegedly tried to loot as many as four armories of the state forces, however, it succeeded in two attempts.

The first incident happened at the 2nd Indian Reserve battalion headquarters at Naranseina in Bishnupur, where more than 300 weapons were looted from the KOTE. A large number of ammo was also looted.

As per the official sources, 327 rounds of ammunition and 20 tear gas shells were fired to control the mob of over 500 who came to loot the arms.

195 SLRs, 1 AK rifle, around 24 INSAS, 3 2.51 mm mortars, Light Machine guns, and other arms were also looted.

Subsequently, another mob reportedly stormed the 5th IR Battalion at Khabeisoi in Imphal and looted an unspecified number of weapons, even as security forces tried to disperse them.

Meanwhile, sources say that the mob also tried to storm inside the Singjamei Police Station and loot arms and ammunition.
However, the attempt was thwarted by the prompt action of the security forces, who fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob.

The incident comes as a shocker, especially at a time when the Supreme Court has taken strong note of the law and order situation in the state, saying that the entire machinery has crumbled.

It has also again exposed the helplessness of the state forces when it comes to dealing with mobs in the valley.

The big question is: Will heads roll in the state police department now? Will tough questions be asked and action taken for lapses in security in an area that is the target of mobs because of the presence of an armed KOTE?

And most importantly, will the loot of fresh arms escalate the violence in the war-torn state?

Also Read: Manipur: Massive protests in Kangpokpi against reported withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the district

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