Imphal: Shortly after the withdrawal of the central paramilitary force, Assam Rifles, from a strife-torn district in Manipur, reports reveal that a police case has been registered against the personnel of the force.
This action is a result of alleged obstruction by Assam Rifles personnel against the state police's attempts to apprehend suspects connected to the recent triple homicide in Bishnupur district.
The filed FIR, dated August 5 and obtained by NDTV, documents an incident where Manipur police commandos confronted Assam Rifles personnel, accusing them of hindering their operation to track down suspected militants. Videos depicting confrontations between Assam Rifles and Manipur police have proliferated across social media platforms over the past few months.
The friction between the two forces reportedly intensified in recent days after the Manipur police sought to apprehend individuals linked to the killing of three individuals. The Assam Rifles, whose administrative oversight is within the Union Home Ministry's purview and operational jurisdiction is held by the Army, is yet to respond to the allegations.
The FIR from the Phougakchao Ikhai police station of Bishnupur district states, "On reaching the Kutub Wali Masjid located at Kwakta ward 8 along Pholjang road, the state police teams were stopped, and their way was blocked by the personnel of the 9 Assam Rifles by keeping and parking their Casper vehicle in middle of the Kwakta Pholjang road, obstructing in discharging their law bound duty."
The tensions have further escalated with the involvement of local women's vigilante group, Meira Paibi, which accused the Assam Rifles of "unleashing atrocities" on the Meitei people. Demonstrations led by the group occurred across five Manipur Valley districts, demanding the removal of Assam Rifles from these areas, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.
In response to the escalating situation, Assam Rifles personnel have been replaced by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at a key checkpoint in Moirang Lamkhai of Bishnupur district.