Seven personnel have been suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the arms and ammunition theft from the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp in Manipur's Imphal East district.
The action follows the arrest of six individuals suspected to be involved in the February 13th incident.
According to an order issued by the 5th IRB commandant, the suspension stems from "grave negligence and dereliction of duties" that allowed the theft to occur.
The suspended personnel are restricted to their headquarters without prior permission while investigations proceed.
While the theft initially involved four Insas rifles, one AK Ghatak, two SLR magazines, and 16 boxes of ammunition, police efforts have led to the recovery of some stolen items.
Earlier on Tuesday, tension spiralled in Manipur's Imphal East district after a mob of "village volunteers," armed civilian youths guarding villages, attempted to storm the Manipur Police Training College (MPTC).
Security personnel opened fire to disperse the crowd, leading to the death of one volunteer, identified as 24-year-old Okram Sanaton.
The Manipur police have arrested six so far in connection with the matter.
A police statement said “On Tuesday, in order to repel violent mobs including armed miscreants trying to storm MPTC, Pangei, security forces resorted to the use of legal force. During the incident, one person succumbed to injuries and three persons sustained injuries.”
According to officials, suspicions abound that the mob, comprised primarily of armed youths entrusted with safeguarding villages, harboured the nefarious intent of pilfering firearms from the MPTC.
Social media posts prior to the incident indicated a need for more weapons among these groups to fight off attackers. The exact motive behind the attempt, however, remains unclear.
The incident comes amidst simmering tensions in Khurai and Khundrakpam assembly constituencies following a fierce gunfight between armed groups from two warring communities. Since February 12th, heavy exchange of fire has been reported between individuals in Pukhao Santipur and the neighbouring hill range, causing concern in the region.
Follow us
