SP injured in office attack, leads forces to repel mob Manipur’s Kangpokpi.
Videos emerging from Kangpokpi on Friday reportedly show armed individuals dressed in camouflage walking through the streets, carrying what appear to be sophisticated weapons. The footage, which has since circulated widely, depicts a tense atmosphere as the individuals appear ready for combat. Local authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the group, but the presence of such armed individuals has raised concerns over the security situation in the region. The attack comes amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, where violence and unrest have affected several areas. Investigations are underway to identify the attackers and understand their motives.
In a violent escalation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, a senior police officer reported that a mob of assailants launched a brutal attack on the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) on Friday. The attackers allegedly pelted stones and hurled petrol bombs at the building, creating chaos and endangering the safety of those inside. During the attack, SP Manoj Prabhakar sustained an injury to his head but remained resolute, continuing to lead his forces in the face of growing hostility. Despite his injury, he exhibited remarkable determination, coordinating the response efforts to repel the assault and maintain control over the situation.
As the violence escalated, Kangpokpi remained in a state of turmoil, with the town remaining volatile into the night. The police officer confirmed that the town’s security situation remained precarious, with locals and security forces on high alert. The assailants, reportedly a mix of armed groups and civilians, appeared to be organized, with some of them moving through the area in coordinated efforts. In videos that emerged online, several armed individuals, dressed in camouflage clothing, were seen walking through the streets of Kangpokpi. They carried what appeared to be sophisticated, military-grade weapons, further raising concerns about the scale of the attack.
Images and videos shared by witnesses show the extent of the damage at the SP office. Vehicles parked on the premises were visibly damaged, with some even set ablaze during the mob attack. The assailants’ use of petrol bombs added to the destruction, further destabilizing the situation in the region. These images highlight the intensity of the assault and the vulnerability of security infrastructure in the face of organized aggression.
The attack on the SP office is part of a broader wave of violence and unrest that has plagued the region over the past several weeks. The conflict in the Manipur region has led to heightened tensions between various ethnic and community groups, which has resulted in frequent clashes and security challenges. Prior to this attack, there had already been an escalating number of incidents involving gunfire and clashes between local militants, civilians, and security personnel in surrounding villages.
The villages of Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi in Imphal East district had already been hotspots for violence, with several civilians and security personnel sustaining injuries due to gunfire exchanges. These skirmishes led to a series of operations conducted by security forces, who were tasked with regaining control of the region and neutralizing armed militants who were believed to be operating in the area.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, security forces initiated joint operations, with the goal of dismantling militant infrastructure. These operations resulted in the destruction of multiple bunkers that were believed to be used by armed groups to launch attacks on both civilians and security forces. The ongoing military operations also aimed to reclaim territory and restore order in areas that had become increasingly hostile.
The situation escalated further when security forces turned their attention to Saibol village, a region that had become increasingly difficult to access due to the presence of armed militants. As part of their efforts to stabilize the area, security forces launched operations to occupy Saibol, starting on Monday. However, moving into Saibol presented significant challenges, as militants had reportedly fortified their positions within the village, making it difficult for security forces to proceed without encountering heavy resistance.
The operations to clear Saibol were part of a broader effort by the Indian government and local authorities to address the increasing violence and restore peace in the region. With tensions continuing to run high, officials have expressed concern over the potential for further escalation, which could result in more casualties and disruptions to civilian life.
Local communities have been caught in the crossfire, with many residents living in fear of both militant groups and the ongoing military presence. The violence has disrupted daily life in several areas, and civilians have been forced to flee their homes to escape the violence. The continued uncertainty in the region has also raised concerns about the long-term impact on Manipur’s stability, as local authorities struggle to contain the violence while managing the complex dynamics between different ethnic groups in the region.
As of now, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with ongoing security operations to stabilize the region. The events in Kangpokpi and surrounding areas highlight the growing volatility in Manipur, a state that has experienced its fair share of political unrest and ethnic tensions in the past. The authorities are working to defuse the situation, but with armed groups entrenched in multiple areas, a resolution to the violence seems uncertain in the short term.
The violence in Kangpokpi and neighboring areas has led to calls for greater intervention from the central government, as well as a renewed focus on the underlying causes of unrest in the region. While the immediate priority remains to restore peace and protect civilian lives, the government must also consider long-term solutions to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further outbreaks of violence in Manipur.