Looting of arms was reported from various police stations in the ethnic-strife-torn state earlier, but in all those cases the areas concerned were dominated by either Meities or Kukis, the two warring communities.This is the first time a police station was stormed in a Naga-majority area, according to a source.”The Ukhrul police station is located a few metres away from an Assam Rifles camp,” the official said.On Wednesday, Additional Director General of Police L Kailun directed all district SPs and other officers to remain on “high alert” and to ensure proper security for arms and ammunition.It is not clear, however, whether the instruction was given before or after the arms were looted from the police station in Ukhrul district.Prohibitory orders under BNSS Section 163 have been imposed in Ukhrul town following the incident and internet services have been suspended.The northeastern state, affected by ethnic clashes since May 2023, witnessed escalated violence from early last month.More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 3 last year.
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