Unidentified individuals set fire to three abandoned houses in the New Lambulane area of Imphal, the capital of Manipur, on a Sunday afternoon. The local fire department acted swiftly to extinguish the flames, according to officials.

Following the arson, a gathering of residents assembled at the site and demanded that both state and central security forces be stationed in the vicinity. They sought permission to enter the area. In response, security forces employed tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, maintaining order in the locality, PTI reported.

In a separate incident, also on Sunday, unidentified culprits stole three firearms from security personnel responsible for safeguarding the former residence of K Rajo, a former director of health and family welfare. This occurrence unfolded around 2 am in the Sagolband Bijoy Govinda area, falling under the jurisdiction of Imphal PS in the Imphal West district. The stolen weapons comprised two AK series rifles and a carbine.

Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Meanwhile, the police have initiated a series of operations with the aim of recovering the stolen weapons and apprehending those responsible.