Eleven armed miscreants dressed in police uniforms who were intercepted by the Army in Manipur’s Bishnupur district in the early hours on Tuesday were “snatched by womenfolk during an aggressive confrontation” with the security forces, the Manipur Police said.
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Later in the day, around hundred women blocked the Army contingent carrying the weapons seized from the armed miscreants.
The Army opened fire in the air to disperse the women who were demanding that the seized weapons be returned to them.
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Police said in a statement that 11 armed miscreants dressed in police fatigues were intercepted by the Mahar regiment of the Army around 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday. From their possession, three AK series of rifles, 5 INSAS, 2 SLR rifles, two hand grenades, over 600 rounds of ammunition and bulletproof jackets were recovered.
“Meanwhile, a group of womenfolk started gathering and blocked the road so as to prevent the movement of security forces. On being informed by the Army about the developing situation, District Police rushed to the spot. On reaching, it was informed by the Army personnel that the 11 persons have been snatched by the womenfolk during aggressive confrontation with them despite their best efforts,” the police said.
It added, “Displaying dogged determination and intent, teams of both Manipur Police and the Indian Army were successful in breaking through a number of obstacles/ barriers created by hostile sympathisers and reach out to the teams at Kumbi PS. The recovered weapons and ammunitions were kept in safe custody. The mob was later dispersed and the situation was brought under control. Necessary legal action is being taken up.”
Police dismissed rumours that the suspects were linked with the April 27 incident at Naranseina in Bishnupur where two CRPF personnel were killed.
“Both the incidents are separate and investigation is going on and no linkages with the Naranseina incident have been found till now,” the police said.