Violence Erupts in Manipur’s Churachandpur District, Leaving One Dead and Many Injured
Tensions are running high in Manipur’s curfew-bound Churachandpur district after deadly clashes broke out between the Hmar and Zomi communities, leaving one person dead and several others injured. The violence began on Sunday when Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar was attacked by some Zomi individuals, prompting authorities to impose a curfew to prevent further escalation.
The situation remains volatile, with security forces on high alert to contain the situation. Clashes on Tuesday night resulted in the death of 51-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte from the Hmar community, while several others from both communities sustained injuries. The curfew remains in place, with schools and businesses shut down in an effort to maintain calm.
Efforts are underway to restore peace, with church leaders and civil society groups playing a key role. Security personnel have been conducting flag marches to prevent further violence, while those displaced from the Kuki community have been relocated to safer areas. In a bid to ease the situation, at least 12 Kuki-Zomi and Hmar groups have agreed to form a joint peace committee, with six local MLAs from Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts urging authorities to take decisive action to restore law and order.
The recent violence is just the latest in a long-standing legacy of ethnic strife in Manipur, with over 250 people killed and thousands displaced since May 2023. The conflict is seen as a worrying escalation of a deeper divide between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, with President’s Rule imposed in the state on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipurs-churachandpur-still-tense-schools-shops-remain-shut-amid-curfew-1186433-2025-03-20?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-20 10:44:00
