One Fatality and Multiple Injuries in New Ethnic Violence in Churachandpur, Manipur
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Synopsis
New ethnic violence in Manipur's Churachandpur district has resulted in one death and multiple injuries. Clashes erupted between Zomi and Hmar tribes despite a recent peace agreement. The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order amidst ongoing violence.
Key Takeaways
- One person killed in ethnic clashes.
- Violence erupted between Zomi and Hmar tribes.
- Peace agreement reached just before clashes.
- Security forces deployed to restore order.
- Indefinite shutdown lifted after resolution.
Imphal, March 19 (NationPress) New ethnic violence has broken out in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, according to police reports on Wednesday, revealing that one individual has lost their life and several others sustained injuries.
The confrontations occurred between two distinct tribal groups, the Zomi and Hmar tribes within the district.
A police spokesperson in Imphal stated that the unrest transpired late Tuesday night, just hours after a peace agreement was brokered between the leading bodies of both communities and the families involved in a previous altercation.
As per police accounts, the renewed conflict ignited when certain individuals attempted to remove a flag belonging to a Zomi militant organization in the predominantly tribal town of Churachandpur. Before security forces could intervene, mobs and armed members from both the Zomi and Hmar tribes clashed, leading to stone-throwing incidents.
Authorities subsequently deployed tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the hostile crowds, though the circumstances surrounding the death of the individual remain unverified.
The deceased has been identified as Lalropui Pakhumate (53).
Law enforcement faced significant challenges as they attempted to control the mobs, which vandalized numerous properties, while some armed individuals mingled within the rival factions.
“It remains unclear who was responsible for the gunfire,” the official remarked.
District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. issued an appeal, noting that reports of attacks and retaliatory violence have surfaced, highlighting the urgent need to restore peace and uphold law and order.
He urged everyone to abandon violent behavior and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. A large contingent of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) has been dispatched to Churachandpur and nearby sensitive areas to ensure strict monitoring and prevent escalation.
CAPF personnel, led by senior officials, conducted flag marches across various conflict-affected regions in the district. Two tribal organizations in Manipur—the Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council—lifted the indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur after a resolution was reached regarding a serious assault on a senior Hmar tribal leader on March 16.
The leaders from both groups met with the families of both the victim and the assailants and resolved the dispute according to local customs.
The indefinite strike in Churachandpur was initiated after Hmar Inpui General Secretary Richard Laltanpuia Hmar was ambushed, blindfolded, and brutally beaten by “local miscreants” on March 16 while heading home from V.K. Montessori School.
Richard Laltanpuia Hmar is currently receiving medical attention due to severe injuries and blood loss. During Tuesday's meeting, it was agreed that the assailant's family would provide Rs 50,000 to the victim's family as part of a customary peace feast.
Additionally, the culprit's family will cover an initial Rs 2 lakh for Richard Laltanpuia Hmar's medical expenses, with any further costs to be communicated later. Should any serious complications arise from the attack, both parties have committed to reconvening to address the situation. Both sides have agreed to prevent future incidents of violence.
