A bus used by security forces to transport personnel was set ablaze by a mob in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on the night of Monday. The incident occurred at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi, with the bus, engaged by central paramilitary forces, being engulfed in flames.
Officials reported that the bus, bearing Manipur registration numbers, was en route from Dimapur and reached the Kangpokpi district headquarters around 9 pm. At this point, a group from one of the conflicting communities halted the bus on National Highway 102 near Thomas Ground. The mob demanded to inspect the bus to check if members of the opposing community were on board.
During the inspection, the mob identified the vehicle as being associated with the Meitei community. In response, some members of the mob set the bus on fire despite the presence of security personnel.
A fire tender from Kangpokpi district headquarters was dispatched to the scene, but the mob prevented it from accessing the burning bus, resulting in the vehicle being reduced to ashes within minutes. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the swift response of fire services and security forces ensured the situation did not escalate further.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. This act of arson adds to the ongoing communal tensions in the region, exacerbating the fragile peace in Kangpokpi.
Authorities are urging the public to remain calm and refrain from such acts of violence. Efforts are being made to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of all communities in the district. The investigation aims to identify the perpetrators, bring them to justice, and restore order to prevent further incidents of this nature.
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