Manipur: Assam Rifles truck overturned, vehicles torched as Oklong protest escalates

Tension gripped Manipur's Senapati town on the night of July 14 following reports of a confrontation between the Assam Rifles and the Naga Army near the Huthrong Brigade Headquarters, a designated Naga Army camp under the jurisdiction of Oklong village.

According to sources, the unrest was triggered after information allegedly spread that security forces were planning to conduct an operation at the Naga Army camp in Oklong village. Messages regarding the alleged standoff began circulating on social media at around 9:02 pm, urging members of the public to gather at Senapati town's traffic point for "necessary action."

Following the viral messages, a large crowd assembled and later marched towards the Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB), demanding that the security force withdraw from the Oklong area.

During the protest, a parked Alto car outside the COB gate was set ablaze, while a nearby waiting shed was also torched by the mob.

Sources said the situation initially appeared to ease after reports emerged that the Assam Rifles had withdrawn from Oklong. However, while security personnel were returning, some protesters allegedly overturned an Assam Rifles truck and set two Assam Rifles Gypsy vehicles on fire.

Security forces reportedly fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and restore order.

No official statement has yet been issued regarding the reported confrontation or the alleged operation at the Naga Army camp. Authorities have stepped up security in the area, while the situation is being closely monitored.