Imphal, April 15 (IANS) The Manipur government on Wednesday urged people to refrain from spreading misinformation that could further escalate the already tense situation in the state.

State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh appealed to the public to avoid circulating unverified information and requested cooperation in restoring peace and normality in the violence-affected areas.

The minister’s appeal comes a day after at least 18 civilians, including five women, were injured and a mob set fire to two security force vehicles in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Tuesday.

The violence erupted following the seizure of a large quantity of drugs from a suspected peddler at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal. Singh said the situation in Bishnupur district has remained tense since Tuesday following the unfortunate incident, which has further aggravated unrest in the area.

According to the minister, acting on specific intelligence, a joint team of the Central Industrial Security Force, Assam Rifles, and state forces apprehended a suspected drug peddler, identified as Mohammad Sabir Ahamed, at the airport.

A thorough examination of Ahamed’s checked-in baggage led to the seizure of approximately 6.74 kg (including container weight) of suspected brown sugar concealed inside six containers.

During interrogation, Ahamed, a resident of the Moirang sub-division in Bishnupur district, reportedly disclosed the presence of additional drugs and weapons at Kwakta village in the same district. Following this lead, Assam Rifles personnel in plain clothes escorted the accused to the location.

However, on the way to the Bishnupur district, an untoward incident occurred when local women who were frisking vehicles stopped the team. A miscommunication followed, with suspicions arising that members of a particular community were inside the vehicle, leading to confusion and tension among the public, the minister said.

He explained that the misunderstanding quickly escalated, triggering violence. A mob began attacking the team, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Amid the chaos, the vehicle was set ablaze, further intensifying unrest in the area, Singh added.

Security forces, including personnel from the Assam Rifles and the Manipur Rifles commandos, rushed to the scene and conducted rescue operations. Several individuals were safely evacuated. Local volunteers and community groups also assisted in rescue efforts and helped bring the situation under control.

The minister said that state security forces, along with central forces and the Army, have been deployed in the area. Combining operations are currently underway to restore order and prevent further disturbances.

He further noted that Tuesday’s incident reportedly involved armed cadres, raising serious concerns about safety and law and order in the region. Authorities are working to identify those responsible and ensure swift action is taken against them, Singh said.

Appealing for calm, the Home Minister urged citizens not to spread panic or misinformation and to cooperate with authorities.

He added that the concerned authorities, including Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Moirang and Kumbi Assembly constituencies, have been informed, and necessary measures are being taken.

A meeting with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is also being planned to address the situation, he said.

Three Members of the Legislative Assembly, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, Irengbam Nalini Devi, and Tongbram Robindro, were present during the Home Minister’s media briefing.

–IANS

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