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IMPHAL: A temporary camp of Assam Rifles was set ablaze in Hongbei village of Manipur’s Kamjong district Saturday during protests over what residents described as “continuous frisking” and harassment along Imphal-Myanmar road. The paramilitary force conducts counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast and guards the India-Myanmar border.
The situation escalated when AR personnel allegedly stopped the transport of timber meant for house construction in a nearby village. Local MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who was present after attending a wedding, intervened. He requested AR to allow the timber transportation. His plea was dismissed. Sources said the residents, including women, gathered in large numbers to demand an end to the frisking operations and the removal of AR personnel from the area inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga community.
The protest turned violent when the paramilitary troopers allegedly fired air shots and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, further enraging the locals. The protesters then destroyed the temporary camp, insisting on the immediate withdrawal of the forces. Kamjong SP Ningsem Vashum confirmed the heightened tensions, saying residents from neighbouring villages had blocked roads to prevent reinforcements from reaching the area.
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