Tensions are running high in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. Following the assault on Richard Hmar, a curfew was imposed on Monday. Richard Hmar is the general secretary of the Hmar Inpui, a prominent Hmar tribal organisation. The attack on Hmar occurred on Sunday evening at the VK Montessori complex in Zenhang Lamka.
The altercation erupted following a collision between his vehicle and a two-wheeler. Richard Hmar was severely beaten by a group of miscreants. His condition was so severe that it required medical attention due to excessive bleeding. The Hmar Inpui organisation condemned the attack, and demanded swift justice into the matter. The community later took to the streets of Churachandpur on Monday, protesting and engaging in stone-pelting outraged by the assault.
Hmar Inpui’s Statement
Hmar Inpui also released a statement on Sunday, soon after Richard Hmar was assaulted, “… Hmar Inpui general secretary was caught by a group of men on his way home, blindfolded and incessantly beaten even after he asserted himself of his identity inside the campus of VK Montessori School, Zenhang Lamka. The general secretary is undergoing medical treatment due to excessive bleeding and injury”.
Prohibitory Orders Issued
In order to curb the growing unrest, authorities implemented prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This restricts unauthorised gatherings, processions, and the carrying of weapons. The order aimed to prevent further violence and maintain peace and order in the district.
The order by the additional district magistrate stated: “Whereas reports have been received from SP Churachandpur that there is serious apprehension of breach of law and order in the district, which is very likely to be detrimental to peace and tranquility among different communities, including damage to life and public property”.
It also noted the “urgent need to maintain law and order to prevent any untoward incident”, adding that the restrictions apply to unauthorised processions or unlawful gatherings of five or more people and the carrying of weapons, including sticks, rods and stones.
What does the Police say?
While talking to the news agency PTI an officer said, “Curfew was imposed in Churachandpur as a precautionary measure following the clashes. We have imposed a curfew after receiving a report from Churachandpur SP indicating serious apprehension of a breach of law and order.”
Furthermore, a statement from the district administration noted that there were serious concerns over a potential breach of law and order, which could disrupt the peace between different communities. To manage the situation, a curfew was declared as a precautionary measure following violent clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities, leading to heightened tensions across the region.
Clashes lead to Curfew
According to reports, the clashes, which included stone-pelting, took place between the Hmar Inpui and Kuki-Zo tribes against the Zomi tribe. The protesters were seen removing Zomi flags from a mobile tower, further escalating the situation. The current unrest stems from deep-rooted ethnic tensions within the region. Meanwhile, the authorities are concerned about the potential for further violence in the region.
Thadou Students’ Association Appeal for Peaceful Dialogue
Following the unrest the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ) expressed deep concern over the escalating ethnic conflict. The association urged all parties involved to prioritise peaceful dialogue over hostility. They further called on the government and civil society to facilitate negotiations aimed at fostering justice, fairness, and mutual respect among the groups.
The TSA-GHQ said, “We urge all concerned groups viz Kuki/Kuki-Zo, Hmar, and Zomi, to prioritise negotiations over hostility… We also call upon the government and civil society organisations to facilitate peace-building efforts in the spirit of justice, fairness, and mutual respect”.
Meanwhile, Churachandpur District Commissioner Dharun Kumar S appealed to community leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue. “Violence and unrest will not lead to a solution,” he emphasised, urging calm and restraint during this critical time.
