Violence broke out in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Sunday, just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the town, where he promised peace and prosperity amid the state’s ongoing ethnic conflict. The unrest saw youths attacking the local police station in protest over the arrest of two individuals accused of damaging decorations set up for Modi’s arrival.
Modi’s visit on Saturday marked his first trip to Manipur in 28 months since ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began in May 2023, leaving over 260 dead, thousands injured, and around 70,000 displaced. Arriving in Churachandpur despite heavy rainfall, which forced him to travel by road, Modi inaugurated projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore, including women’s hostels, sports facilities, and road upgrades. In his speech, he urged communities to embrace peace for the sake of future generations and met with displaced families, assuring them of government support for rehabilitation and jobs. “I will stand by you all…” assured Modi during his first speech in Churachandpur. He had later gone to Imphal where he held the second public meeting during his three hour Manipur tour.
Sunday’s violence erupted when protesters, primarily youths, demanded the release of two men detained for allegedly vandalising banners and cutouts of the Prime Minister. The demonstration turned violent, with stone-pelting and attempts to storm the Churachandpur police station. Social media footage captured security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), struggling to control the mob. Minor injuries were reported, but no casualties. Authorities deployed additional forces to restore order by evening.
On the night of September 11, several banners and cutouts put up at Pearsonmun and Phailien Bazaar were vandalised by a mob, a day before the PM’s visit. Following the incident, several youths were detained. While many were released after questioning, two youths were kept in custody, protesters claimed.
The clashes have reignited criticism over the timing and impact of Modi’s visit. “He spoke of peace, but we’re still living in fear with no real solutions,” said a local resident, reflecting frustration over unresolved issues like displacement and ethnic tensions. Kuki leaders who were instrumental in extending support to the government in organising the event, claimed that the Sunday’s protest was sporadic- mostly public outrage and lacked the backing of any organisation.
The violence underscores the challenges of restoring calm in Manipur, where ethnic divisions remain raw. State officials condemned the unrest, promising strict action against those involved, while community leaders called for urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation. “The two individuals were not randomly detained as claimed by the protesters, but were picked up from the site of vandalism for questioning,” an officer of the district police said.
