Fresh Violence At Churachandpur in Manipur On Thursday Night; Two Dead, Dozens Injured and Internet Suspended

At least two people killed and scores injured after fresh violence erupted at Churachandpur in Manipur on Thursday evening. Angry mob attacked the office of SP, DC and other government headquarters in protest against the suspension of a police officer from the region who courted controversy for allegedly taking a selfie with a “village volunteer” few days back.

Government offices, properties and vehicles were vandalised, ransacked and also set ablaze. Security forces had opened retaliatory firing to control the crowd. According to police officials, two people lost their lives and several police officers have sustained injuries. Police, however are yet to issue an official statement. Two deceased have been identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte and Thanggunlen Haokip, both residents of Churachandpur. Hospital sources claimed that both the deceased have gunshot wounds.

The government has suspended internet services in Churachandpur for the next five days stating that there is an imminent threat to law and order situation. In an order, joint secretary from home department, Mayengbam Veto Singh said “anti-social elements” could use social media to incite people. “There is imminent danger of loss of life, damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony,” the order said.

The Trigger

A video had gone viral on social media showing a head constable along with “armed men and village volunteers”. The officer was suspended on grounds of “grave misconduct”, according to the suspension notice signed by police superintendent Sivanand Surve. Hundreds of people, in protest against the suspensionthus stormed into the compound housing several government offices, including the SP’s office in Churachandpur on Thursday evening, catching the forces off guard. As situation spilled out of their hands, more security forces were called in.

“Mob numbering approx. 300–400 attempted to storm the office of SP CCP today, pelting stones, etc. The SF, including the RAF, is responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch..” Manipur police had posted on ‘X’ at 10.02 pm on Thursday night.

The first incident of violence had started in Churachandpur on May 3, 2023 which eventually spread into the other parts of the state and lasted for more than & months, leaving more than 200 dead and thousands displaced.