Imphal, July 06: An angry mob in Thoubal district of Manipur region set ablaze the house of an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan after he successfully thwarted a bid by agitators to steal firearms from a police armoury. The incident took place on Tuesday in Samaram, following a clash between security forces and approximately 700 rioters who tried to storm the 3rd IRB camp at Wangbal.
According to security officials, the courageous IRB jawan effectively prevented the rioters from looting the police weapons store. He was part of the IRB unit responsible for guarding the arsenal.
In their attempt to control the situation, security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets. However, the armed mob retaliated by opening fire, prompting the forces to fire back in self-defense.
To hinder reinforcements from reaching the camp, the rioters blocked multiple roads leading to the location. Despite this obstruction, the security forces managed to pass through.
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The mob then targeted a group of Assam Rifles personnel who were en route to the camp. They set their vehicle on fire and fired upon them, injuring one jawan. The jawan sustained a leg injury from a gunshot.
The injured jawan, identified as Ronaldo, was immediately rushed to Thoubal district hospital. However, due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to a hospital in Imphal. Sadly, Ronaldo succumbed to his injuries during the transfer.
According to reports, the clashes also resulted in injuries to ten more individuals, six of whom were admitted to a hospital in Imphal with serious injuries.
Security officials have stated that the situation is currently under control, and efforts are being made to restore peace and stability in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, after a gap of over two months due to the ongoing violence in Manipur, school classes resumed on Wednesday. Approximately 4,521 schools conducted classes for students from 1st to 8th grade. However, attendance remained low, with only an average of 20% of students showing up.
However, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, the regions most affected by the violence, remained closed. These areas have become home to relief camps established to provide shelter for those displaced by the unrest. As a result, around 96 schools in these regions have remained shut.
Churachandpur has the highest number of closed schools at 41, followed by 17 in Bishnupur, 10 in Kakching, and eight each in Kangpokpi and Imphal East. Additionally, four schools in Tengnoupal and Ukhrul, and two each in Thoubal and Imphal West, have also been affected by the closures.
