Masses destroy a paramilitary camp in Manipur

Featured image: Masses storm and set fire to the Assam Rifles’ camp. Source: Ukhrul Times

On Saturday a camp of the Assam Rifles was stormed and torched by hundreds of locals in Hongbei village, Kamjong district. The camp was set ablaze after the Indian repressive forces harassed some peasants who were gathering timber to be used in a house construction. The local residents immediately protested against this arbitrary act. The repressive forces fired tear gas and air shots. That only unleashed the anger of the masses which gathered in the area in large numbers and ended assaulting the camp, demanded the withdrawal of the forces and set fire to the camp.

The Assam Rifles has been one of the main repressive forces of the old Indian State, with frequent abuses against the peoples in Manipur, as well as the protests against it. Among other things, the masses protested the many restrictions to the movement imposed by the paramilitary organization.

On Sunday the Assam Rifles units vacated the destroyed camp. Additionally on the same day a curfew was imposed in the Kangpokpi district due to this incident. From their side, the indigenous organizations of the area “advised” the locals “not to allow Assam Rifles personnel to pass through their jurisdictions”.