Mob storms police station, loots arms during violent clash in Manipur’s Ukhrul

Ukhrul: A mob stormed a police station in Ukhrul town, Manipur, looting weapons during a clash between two groups, PTI reported quoting officials on Thursday.

The violence erupted on Wednesday during a dispute over cleaning a contested piece of land as part of the ‘Swachhata Abhiyan,’ leading to a gunfight that left three dead and 20 injured.

The police station, located at Wino Bazar, was attacked amidst the ongoing violence. Following the clash, authorities imposed prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services in the Naga-majority town.

An official stated that a group, mainly composed of youths, raided the station and took government weapons. The exact number and type of stolen arms are still being investigated, though unofficial reports suggest AK-47 and INSAS rifles were among the looted items.

While past incidents of arms looting in the state have typically involved the Meitei or Kuki communities, this marks the first such occurrence in a Naga-majority area, the news agency reported quoting sources.