Manipur: Curfew in Churachandpur District; Tribal Leaders and 6 MLAs Call for Peace

Imphal, March 19 (NationPress) In a united effort, twelve tribal organizations along with six MLAs made separate appeals for peace in Manipur's curfew-affected Churachandpur district. Shops, markets, businesses, and government offices remained shuttered following a resurgence of violence that resulted in one fatality and several injuries.

The disturbances initiated on Tuesday night between the Zomi and Hmar tribal groups. The Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar communities share a common ethnic background.

A police representative in Imphal reported that the unrest broke out late Tuesday night, just hours after a peace agreement was brokered between the leading figures of both communities and the families involved.

The renewed conflict was triggered when some individuals attempted to remove a flag associated with a Zomi armed faction in the tribal-dominated town of Churachandpur. Before security forces could intervene, factions from both the Zomi and Hmar tribes clashed, resulting in stone-throwing.

Security personnel resorted to firing tear gas and discharging rounds into the air to disperse the belligerent crowds, although the circumstances surrounding the death of the individual have yet to be clarified.

The victim has been identified as Lalropui Pakhumate (53).

Security forces faced significant challenges in quelling the mobs that caused extensive property damage, with some armed individuals mingling within the opposing groups.

A student organization called for a shutdown in the curfew-affected Churachandpur district due to the clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities, severely disrupting daily life. In response, six MLAs and twelve tribal organizations issued separate appeals for peace on Wednesday.

The legislators implored community leaders and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to persist in their efforts to uphold peace and harmony. They urged the state government and district administration to prioritize measures that ensure the restoration of law and order.

In a collective statement, the twelve organizations from the Hmar and Zomi communities pledged to work together to restore peace, mend divisions, and foster a future where all Churachandpur communities can coexist with dignity and mutual respect.

To avert future conflicts and promote trust and communal harmony, a joint peace committee will be established to oversee the situation and address any potential misunderstandings between communities.

Dharun Kumar S., the District Magistrate, emphasized the urgent need for restoring peace and maintaining law and order amid reports of reciprocal attacks.

He urged everyone to avoid violent actions and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. A substantial contingent of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) has been deployed in Churachandpur town and surrounding sensitive areas to maintain vigilance and deter violence.

Two tribal organizations in Manipur—the Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council—lifted their indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur after resolving disputes regarding the severe assault on a senior Hmar leader on March 16.

In a meeting, leaders from Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council, along with the families of both the victim and the assailants, reached a resolution based on traditional customs.

The indefinite shutdown was initiated after Richard Laltanpuia Hmar, the General Secretary of Hmar Inpui, was attacked and beaten by local individuals on March 16.

The meeting concluded with an agreement that the family of the assailant would provide ₹50,000 to the victim’s family as part of a customary peace offering.

According to Tinglonglei Thangluai, the medical superintendent at Churachandpur District Hospital, a mob attempted to storm the hospital on Tuesday night, intimidating both staff and patients. The situation was brought under control after intervention by security forces later that night.