Manipur: Intense situation at Churachandpur; schools, and shops stay shut amid curfew
Manipur: Intense situation at Churachandpur; schools, and shops stay shut amid curfew
Digital Desk: Following fatal skirmishes earlier this week, tensions between the Hmar and Zomi populations have increased, which has left the situation in Manipur's curfew-bound Churachandpur district unstable. While efforts to restore peace are continuing, security forces are still patrolling the area.
Violence broke out between the two communities on Tuesday night, killing 51-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte of the Hmar community and injuring several others.
The conflict allegedly started on Sunday when some Zomi people attacked Richard Hmar, the general secretary of Hmar Inpui, forcing officials to enforce a curfew.
With schools and businesses closed, church leaders and civil society organizations are attempting to mediate between the neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, security officers held flag marches to prevent further escalation, and displaced Kuki community members in relief camps were relocated to safer areas.
Tribal organizations and local MLAs have urged calm amid the uproar in Churachandpur. At least 12 Kuki-Zomi and Hmar factions have agreed to form a unified peace committee to prevent additional violence.
Six MLAs from Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts have urged authorities to restore order. The violence adds to Manipur's continuing ethnic unrest, which has killed over 250 people and uprooted thousands since May 2023.
