Violence Erupts in Manipur’s Churachandpur: Two Killed in Clash with Security Forces

Late on Thursday, a violent clash erupted in Manipur’s Churachandpur as a mob stormed a government compound housing the offices of the police superintendent and district collector. At least two people were killed, identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte and Thanggunlen Haokip, with over a dozen injured as security forces fired at the mob. The collector’s residence was set ablaze along with security forces’ vehicles near the mini secretariat.

The attack prompted the Manipur state government to suspend cellular data services in Churachandpur district for five days, citing the volatile law and order situation. The order emphasized the risk of incitement through social media leading to loss of life, damage to property, and disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony.

The clash was triggered by reports of the suspension of a police head constable from the tribal Kuki community, captured in a viral video with “armed men” and “village volunteers.” The police superintendent cited “grave misconduct” for the suspension. The Kuki and Meitei communities have set up barricades in their respective majority areas.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing Churachandpur’s tribal bodies, swiftly blamed the police superintendent for the mob attack. ITLF demanded the revocation of the suspension and the superintendent’s departure within 24 hours, threatening responsibility for any future incidents.

The incident adds to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, where over 210 people have been killed and 50,000 displaced since May 3 last year in clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The government is engaging with civil society groups, including ITLF, to restore normalcy in the region.