Senapati: Fresh tension gripped Senapati district late Tuesday evening as a huge crowd gathered at an Assam Rifles camp following reports of a standoff between security forces and the Naga Army near Huthrong Brigade, a designated Naga Army camp under the jurisdiction of Oklong village.
According to sources, a large number of people started gathering at around 9 pm at Senapati town’s traffic point after a message urged the public to come out of their homes.
Later, the crowd marched towards the Assam Rifles COB, located just above the DC office complex, and staged a protest demanding the immediate withdrawal of forces from the Oklong area.
During the protest, a private vehicle parked near the Assam Rifles gate was torched, while a waiting shed was also set ablaze by the irate mob.
Sources also said the situation began to de-escalate after official reports stated that security personnel had withdrawn from Oklong. However, the situation became tense again after some protesters allegedly overturned an Assam Rifles truck and set two other security force vehicles on fire.
The situation became more volatile, resulting in the use of tear-gas shells and mock bombs by security forces to control it. Though the tense situation continued till midnight, no injuries to members of the public or security force personnel were reported.
Meanwhile, officials said an unruly mob resorted to stone-pelting, arson and vandalism at an Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town on the night of July 14-15, 2026.
Based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed cadres in the general area of Makuilongdi, approximately 2 km west of the designated NSCN (IM) camp at Oklong, an area-domination patrol and search operation was launched by the Assam Rifles.
According to the Defence PRO and spokesperson for Manipur, Nagaland and Southern Arunachal Pradesh, intelligence reports and social media posts indicated that armed cadres were moving outside designated camps, carrying weapons and wearing uniforms, in apparent violation of established ceasefire ground rules.
Simultaneously, the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was formally informed about the reported violations, highlighting the security concerns, it stated.
During the course of the operation, Assam Rifles columns approaching Makuilongdi and Oklong villages were obstructed by residents, including women.
The columns exercised maximum restraint and communicated with local representatives, assuring them that the operations were aimed solely at ensuring security and maintaining peace in the area and that the columns would not enter any village without the consent of the authorities.
The official further stated that, as tensions escalated, reports emerged around 9 pm of a large crowd gathering in Senapati town and preparing to march towards the Assam Rifles camp.
Despite the withdrawal of the columns, a large mob reached the camp at around 9:30 pm, pelting stones, damaging property and attempting acts of arson. Upholding the utmost professionalism, minimum force was employed to disperse the violent crowd and prevent further escalation, in coordination with Manipur Police, through the firing of blank rounds and tear-gas grenades.
The Senapati Police and CRPF were immediately deployed to assist in restoring law and order.
Later, while retreating, a section of the mob vandalised and damaged Assam Rifles vehicles. One light vehicle was set ablaze, while two trucks were overturned and damaged. A civilian car was also reportedly burnt during the violence.
Through the coordinated efforts of the security forces, Manipur Police and CRPF personnel, the situation was brought under control and the crowd was fully dispersed by midnight.
The situation in Senapati is presently peaceful and under control. No injuries or casualties were sustained by the local population or security force personnel. Efforts to address concerns and maintain communal harmony have been undertaken with civil society organisations and district authorities, it stated.
The security forces further reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, ensuring the safety of all citizens and upholding the rule of law. They continue to exercise restraint and professionalism while carrying out their mandate to safeguard the security and stability of the region, it added.
Also Read: World’s largest honey bee reveals its ‘floral pantry’ in Arunachal