Late on Thursday, chaos unfolded in Manipur’s Churachandpur as a mob stormed a government compound housing the offices of the police superintendent and district collector. Tragically, at least two individuals lost their lives, with a dozen others sustaining injuries, as security forces resorted to firing upon the unruly crowd.
Reports indicate that the collector’s residence was set ablaze, along with security force vehicles parked near the compound, commonly referred to as the mini secretariat. Following this violent attack, the state government took decisive action, suspending cellular data services in the Kuki-majority district for five days to prevent further escalation.
Citing concerns over the potential misuse of social media to incite public unrest, the state government issued an order suspending mobile internet and data services in Churachandpur. This measure aims to safeguard public safety and prevent disturbances to communal harmony amidst the volatile law and order situation.
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The casualties were identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte and Thanggunlen Haokip, both residents of Churachandpur, who succumbed to gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, over a dozen individuals were reported injured in the violent altercation.
The unrest stemmed from the suspension of a police head constable belonging to the tribal Kuki community, following the circulation of a viral video depicting the constable’s association with armed individuals. This incident incited outrage among the local populace, leading to the formation of a hostile mob outside the police superintendent’s office.
Despite attempts by security forces to deter the mob, clashes ensued, with stones being hurled and barricades erected at entry and exit points by both the Kuki and Meitei communities. The tense situation escalated as the mob attempted to breach the compound gates, prompting security forces to intervene.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) condemned the suspension of the head constable and called for the immediate departure of police superintendent Shivanand Surve from the district. They attributed responsibility for the violence to Surve, demanding swift action to rectify the situation.
The incident adds to the ongoing unrest in Manipur, with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities claiming numerous lives and displacing tens of thousands since May 3 last year. The government’s efforts to engage with civil society groups aim to address underlying tensions and restore peace and stability in the region.
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