Curfew and Shutdown Continue to Disrupt Life in Churachandpur, Manipur for Fourth Consecutive Day

Imphal, March 20 (NationPress) The ongoing shutdown and curfew in Churachandpur district of Manipur have severely impacted daily activities for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, despite reports indicating no new incidents occurring in the region, according to officials.

The district administration has prolonged the curfew in this troubled area, while security forces, including both Manipur Police and central paramilitary units, have intensified their vigilance to manage the tense environment.

The ethnic strife, which began earlier this week between the Hmar and Zomi tribal groups, has prompted increased security protocols, with authorities deploying extra personnel and conducting flag marches to avert further violence.

The unrest ignited on the night of March 16 after a serious attack on Richard Laltanpuia Hmar, the General Secretary of Hmar Inpui, allegedly by members of a rival faction. This incident incited retaliation, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte from the Hmar community and injuries to several others on March 18.

In response, the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF), which initiated the shutdown on March 19, announced on Thursday that the shutdown would be relaxed for two hours daily starting at 4 p.m. until further notice.

Violence erupted on the night of March 18 between factions from the Zomi and Hmar tribes—though all three, including the Kukis, belong to the same ethnic group.

A police official shared that the chaos on March 18 occurred mere hours after a peace agreement was brokered on March 17 between the leadership of both communities and the families involved, following the attack on the Hmar Inpui General Secretary.

The Hmar tribal group had initially called for an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur starting March 17.

On March 19, six tribal MLAs and twelve tribal organizations made a separate appeal for peace within Churachandpur district. In a unified statement, representatives from both Hmar and Zomi communities emphasized that joint commitments are essential to restore harmony, mend wounds, and create a future where all groups in Churachandpur can coexist with dignity and mutual respect.

To avert future misunderstandings and to promote trust and communal harmony, a joint peace committee will be established to oversee the situation and address any potential conflicts that may arise between communities, as stated in a joint declaration from these organizations.

District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. urged that recent attacks and retaliatory actions necessitate an urgent restoration of peace and maintenance of law and order.