Imphal, 15 July (MTNews): In the violence-hit district of Imphal West in Manipur, three empty trucks were set ablaze on Saturday, according to local police. The incident took place in Awang Sekmai, within the jurisdiction of the Sekmai police station.
According to PTI, the trucks, which were used for transporting LPG cylinders, were parked in an open field when they were targeted. Authorities are still working to identify the individuals responsible for the arson attack, and the motive behind it remains unclear.
Security forces made efforts to extinguish the flames, but unfortunately, they were unable to save the trucks. A case has been filed in connection with the incident, and the police investigation is ongoing.
The incident comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing unrest in Manipur, where ethnic clashes erupted on May 3 following a “Tribal Solidarity March” organized by the hill districts’ residents to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community. These clashes have resulted in over 150 deaths and thousands of injuries.
RSS reiterates concerns over Manipur violence
Amidst the ongoing verbal sparring between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over the European Union Parliament resolution on Manipur, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has once again expressed “serious concerns” about the prevailing situation in the state.
The RSS issued a statement at the conclusion of its three-day Akhil Bhartiya Prant Pracharak meeting in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the need for relief efforts to aid affected individuals and calling upon the government to take decisive action for lasting peace and rehabilitation.
“All sections of society were urged to contribute to fostering mutual harmony and establishing peace. Additionally, a call was made to the government to take every possible action for permanent peace and rehabilitation,” the statement said.
The meeting, attended by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, and other prominent leaders, marks the second instance within a month in which the RSS has expressed its concerns over the ongoing ethnic violence in the northeastern state.