Violent Unrest in Manipur: 2 Killed, Several Injured in Protests

The situation of Churachandpur( district in Manipur) got out of hand when the villagers gathered in front of the housing residence of district superintendent Shivanand Surve on Thursday night to protest against the unjust action taken against the head constable. The enraged protesters then set the place on fire as well as destroyed the government vehicles parked on the mini secretariat. The security forces jumped right in to control the mob. They started firing on the protesters. The situation turned ugly real quick.

What enraged the villagers against the police force?

It all started when the head constable of the district got suspended over a video where he was with armed men. The localities got enraged by this action and acted on it immediately. The villagers demanded to revoke the suspension of the head constable because it was not a fair decision from the government. There have been many videos, where officers and militants were seen with gunmen but there was no fuss over that. This head constable has not done any wrong thing and the villagers wanted his release. Churachandpur is a district populated by the Kuki-Zo tribe. The tribe in the past has accused the police have being repeatedly involved in attacking their village. This accusation always got silenced. The tribe has developed a town team referred to as “Village defense volunteers”. It was said that these people were personally involved in the arson and vandalism that happened on Thursday night.

Manipur Police has posted an official statement on the social media platform X( previously Twitter) on the matter,

“A mob numbering approximately 300-400 attempted to storm the office of SP (Superintendent of Police) CCP (Churachandpur) today, pelting stones, etc. The SF (security forces)including RAF are responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch”

From the government, it was said the security forces used gas shells and minimum lethal force to handle the mobs. On the other hand, the villagers have alleged the police have been brutal, and almost 30 of them are seriously injured and have already lost their lives. The two casualties of the incident are Letlalkhuol Gangte and Thanggunlen Haokip.

The Kuki-Zo civil society group Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has blamed tP Shivanand Serve for this whole situation and demanded his leave immediately.

The government has suspended internet connection for five days all over the district till the situation is under control.