Situation in Manipur's Churachandpur district still tense; schools, shops remain shut

NEW DELHI: The situation in Manipur’s curfew-bound Churachandpur district remained tense on Thursday, two days after clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities left one dead and several injured, police said. Schools and shops remained shut, while church leaders and civil society groups worked to restore peace, an official told PTI.

Security personnel conducted flag marches on Wednesday night to prevent further violence. At least one person, 51-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte from the Hmar community, was killed in Tuesday night’s clashes. He suffered bullet injuries and was taken to Sielmat Christian Hospital, where he was declared dead. The clashes between the two tribes started after Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar was attacked by some Zomi people on Sunday, leading to violence and imposition of curfew in the district the next day.

Meanwhile, several displaced people from the Kuki community in relief camps were moved to safer locations. Churachandpur town is mainly home to Zomi people, with Hmar and Kuki communities living in some areas. Hours after a fresh shutdown was imposed by a student body in Churachandpur district on Wednesday, a group of MLAs and tribal organisations separately appealed for peace.

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Over 250 killed in violence

In a joint statement, at least 12 Kuki-Zomi and Hmar organisations based in Churachandpur district have called for peace among communities and agreed to form a joint peace committee to monitor the situation and prevent misunderstandings in the future. Six MLAs from Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts have also issued a joint appeal for peace and harmony, urging the administration to take necessary measures to restore law and order.

Notably, more than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in Manipur in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had imposed President's rule in the state on February 13 after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister. The state assembly, which has tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.