At least two people were killed and over two dozen others injured during clashes that broke out in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, multiple local media reports said Friday.
The violence broke out Thursday late evening after a mob stormed a government compound housing offices of the police superintendent and district collector in Churachandpur district, about 63 km south of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur.
Police responded by firing tear smoke shells and warning shots to chase the violent mob.
Hundreds of people came out to protest against the suspension of a policeman, who was suspended after a selfie (photograph) of him with armed militants went viral on social media. The irate mob surrounded the complex and vandalised the offices, besides setting ablaze some vehicles and other structures.
Reports said the district collector’s residence was burnt along with vehicles of the security forces parked near the compound.
Police have not officially confirmed the deaths.
The violence has prompted the local government to suspend cellular data services in Churachandpur district for five days.
Manipur has been on edge since May 3 last year when large-scale violence broke out in the state during a tribal protest over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meiteis community for a scheduled tribe status designated for disadvantaged socio-economic groups, which gives them reservations in education and government jobs.
The ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei group and the tribal Kuki minority have displaced over 60,000. The mobs in the state resorted to vandalism and arson, targeting houses and shops.
