Senapati unrest escalates after security operation as Assam Rifles reports camp attack and NSCN alleges ceasefire violations and civilian harassment
DIMAPUR — Tensions escalated in Manipur's Senapati district after a security operation triggered violent protests and fresh allegations of ceasefire violations, with the Assam Rifles reporting an attack on one of its camps by a mob, while the NSCN (IM) accused Indian security forces of conducting unauthorised operations, harassing civilians and violating the ceasefire ground rules.
According to a Defence Ministry statement issued on Wednesday, an area domination patrol and search operation was launched during the intervening night of July 14 and 15 based on “credible intelligence” about the presence of armed cadres near Makuilongdi, about two kilometres west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong.
It stated that intelligence inputs and social media posts indicated armed cadres were moving outside designated camps carrying weapons and wearing uniforms in violation of the ceasefire ground rules. It added that the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was informed of the reported violations before the operation.
The Assam Rifles went on to state that its personnel were obstructed by villagers, including women, while approaching Makuilongdi and Oklong villages. It claimed that the troops exercised maximum restraint, assured local representatives that they would not enter villages without the consent of the authorities and subsequently withdrew.
However, the force alleged that around 9.30 pm a large mob reached the Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town, pelting stones, damaging property and attempting arson. It added that security personnel used minimum force, including blank rounds and tear-gas grenades, in coordination with the Manipur Police to disperse the crowd.
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The situation was brought under control by midnight with the deployment of the Manipur Police and CRPF, and no injuries or casualties were reported among civilians or security personnel.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (IM), in a statement, condemned what it described as “ongoing harassment of civilians” by Indian security forces in TM Kasom village, Makuilongdi and nearby areas.
The organisation alleged that security forces carried out unauthorised raids, conducted door-to-door searches without judicial warrants, militarised residential areas and abducted four civilians. It claimed these actions constituted serious violations of human rights and the ceasefire ground rules.
The NSCN (IM) further accused the Indian security forces of repeatedly breaching the bilateral ceasefire agreement, saying the alleged violations undermined trust and the credibility of the ongoing Naga peace process.
It demanded an independent investigation into the alleged ceasefire violations, strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement and independent human rights monitoring of the affected areas.
The Defence Ministry, however, maintained that the operation was undertaken solely on the basis of security concerns arising from reported ceasefire violations and reiterated that the Assam Rifles remained committed to maintaining peace, exercising restraint and upholding the rule of law.