These episodes underline the challenge the security forces are facing in Manipur. Sources within the state security establishment say in almost every incident of arson or firing, there is resistance to intervention by security personnel.
The attack came not long after Kuldiep Singh, security advisor to the Manipur government, said that the state had not seen violence for 48 hours. Ethnic clashes have roiled the state for more than a month now.
All changed on May 4, when Valte, on his way to his official quarters after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh over the tension in Manipur, was waylaid by a mob which pulled him out of his car and attacked him.