Curfew has been imposed in Churachandpur district in Manipur, which is mainly populated by the Kuki community after a leader of the Hmar tribe was attacked. The attack led to large protests by members of the Hmar tribe, according to the police.
The trouble started when Richard Hmar, the general secretary of the Hmar Inpui (the tribe’s main organization), had a near-miss with a person riding a two-wheeler, causing an argument. The situation got worse when a group of people beat Richard Hmar badly.
Authorities impose curfew in Churachandpur district of Manipur after clashes amongst Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribes over an assault on Hmar Inpui General Secretary, Richard Laltanpuia Hmar, by perpetrators from the Kuki community.
Attempts by the Kukis to incite violence in the state is a… pic.twitter.com/0P3B0gC2wg
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According to a statement by Hmar Inpui, the leader was caught by a group of men on his way home, blindfolded, and beaten repeatedly, even after he identified himself. The attack took place inside the campus of VK Montessori School in Zenhang Lamka. Richard Hmar is receiving medical treatment for serious injuries and excessive bleeding.
The Hmar Inpui organization demanded that the people who assaulted Richard Hmar come to their office by 10 am on Monday.When the deadline passed without any response, protests erupted in Churachandpur. Hundreds of Hmar tribe members took to the streets, shouting slogans and throwing stones, according to sources.
To prevent further violence, the authorities imposed a curfew in the town under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Security forces were also called in to control the situation, sources added.
Clashes and stone-throwing have been seen between crowds from the Hmar and Kuki tribes and the Zomi tribes in Churachandpur, according to sources. Visuals from the area show a protester removing a Zomi flag from a mobile tower and throwing it while others cheered below.
The Thadou Students’ Association General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) expressed deep concern about the growing tensions among non-Naga tribes, particularly between the Kuki/Kuki-Zo, Hmar, and Zomi groups in Churachandpur.
In their statement, the TSA-GHQ urged all groups involved to focus on negotiations instead of conflict. They also called on the government and civil society organizations to help foster peace and encourage justice, fairness, and mutual respect in the community.
What the District Commissioner said
Churachandpur District Commissioner Dharun Kumar S requested community leaders to come together and have peaceful talks. He reminded everyone that the district has a long history of diversity and unity and encouraged them to continue valuing these principles.
He said, “Violence won’t solve anything, and it’s better for everyone to find common ground through peaceful discussions.” Dharun Kumar also asked residents to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors or unverified information that could make the situation worse.
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