An ugly turn broke out between the Muslim community and suspected Meiteis’ militia group of Arambai Tenggol on the night of New Year Day over the issue of monetary demand, which resulted in the killing of four Muslims and injury of 10-14 others at Lilong Chingjao, a Muslim dominated locality of Thoubal district.
As per sources, the suspected Arambai Tenggol coming in three vehicles with sophisticated weapons resorted to extortion of money to one of the residents of Lilong Chingjao, after which a confrontation broke out. The radical militants opened fire towards the Muslim community, killing four individuals on the spot and injuring several others. The irate mob in turn burnt down the vehicles used by the radical goons. The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM on Monday. The injured persons were evacuated to different hospitals.
As per video circulating on social media platforms, bodies of dead Muslim men were seen lying on the ground with blood stains all over the body and vehicles were seen being set on fire.
As narrated by the men in the video footage at the spot, the speaker said that the Arambai Tenggols in combat uniform came in four gypsy vehicles and made monetary demand to Md. Hasan, a local resident, and killed the people. The man in the video also said that arms and ammunition were also found inside the vehicles. Questioning the law and order situation in Imphal valley, the man alleged that civilians were thrashed, tortured and arrested over silly social media posts but armed gangs were free to patrol the streets in front of the police.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said he did not take the incident lightly and police are running after the suspects. He promised that befitting actions would be taken up against them the perpetrators.
Biren also appealed to the people of Lilong to maintain calm over the situation so that the violence did not spread further and urged the people’s cooperation in finding the criminals.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Imphal West has imposed 144 Cr.PC all over Imphal valley with immediate effect.
