In a fresh spell of violence in northeast India's strife-hit Manipur state, a mob ransacked at least two security posts, killed one police officer and looted arms and ammunition, media reports said on Friday.
The incident happened on Thursday night in Imphal West area.
Media reports quoting police officials said the mob, which included men as well as women, ransacked the Keirenphabi Police outpost and Thangalawai Police outpost of the Manipur Armed Police second battalion in Bishnupur district and robbed their weapons.
The police official was killed after being shot in the head by a sniper in Senjam Chirang in Imphal West; a village volunteer was injured following a gun battle between suspected militants and security forces in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang from the nearby hill ranges.
“During the last 24 hours, the situation in the state is still volatile and tense with sporadic incidents of firing and gathering of unruly mobs in different places,” the police said in its statement.
Meanwhile, another mob tried to seize arms and ammunition from Heingang and Singjamei police stations as well. However, the attack was prevented by the security forces.
In an official statement, the police said that several people with arms engaged in cross-firing with the security forces in Koutruk, Haraothel, and Senjam Chirang, in which two people including one security personnel sustained injuries.
The fresh incidents of violence happened after a mass burial program was planned in the state. After it was opposed by the majority community, it was later put on hold after the intervention of the federal Home Ministry.
The clashes erupted in Kangvai and Phougakchao areas of Bishnupur district as the army and Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired tear gas shells, injuring over 25 people as the security forces tried to stop a procession to the proposed burial site.