Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Churachandpur district late on Tuesday, leaving several injured as members of the Zomi and Hmar tribes clashed barely hours after their apex bodies had reached a peace agreement.
The unrest broke out in Churachandpur town when a group attempted to remove a flag of a Zomi militant outfit, sparking confrontation.
Mobs armed with batons engaged in intense stone pelting, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells and aerial rounds to disperse them.
Security personnel struggled to contain the escalating violence, which saw multiple properties vandalised. “Shots were fired in the midst of the commotion, but it is unclear who was responsible,” an official said.
Authorities swiftly imposed a curfew across the district, urging residents to remain indoors. Security forces also conducted flag marches to maintain order, with stringent surveillance in place.
In response to the violence, the Zomi Students’ Federation called for an immediate shutdown in the district.
“The emergency shutdown has become necessary in wake of the volatile situation in Churachandpur... all normal activities shall remain suspended,” the students’ body stated, urging businesses and educational institutions to close temporarily.
Meanwhile, the district administration issued an appeal for calm, calling on residents to end hostilities. District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S remarked, “The conflict has resulted in significant distress and suffering on both sides. Attacks have been reported and there is an urgent need to restore peace and maintain law and order in our area.”
He warned that any attempt to take the law into one’s own hands would be met with strict legal action.
Authorities urged community leaders to engage in dialogue to defuse tensions, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The unrest follows a prior settlement between the Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council, which on Tuesday had agreed to lift a shutdown and cease all disruptive activities in the district.
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The clashes stemmed from an altercation on Sunday when Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar was assaulted by members of the Zomi community after a minor traffic incident.
This led to a surge in violence and the subsequent imposition of curfew.
To resolve the conflict, the attacker's family agreed to pay Rs 50,000 towards a customary peace feast and Rs 2 lakh for Richard Hmar’s medical treatment, with further compensation as required.
Both sides had pledged that no further acts of violence would take place.
However, despite the truce, the fresh clashes indicate ongoing tensions.
Manipur has witnessed persistent ethnic strife since May 2023, with over 250 people killed and thousands displaced in clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups.
In light of the prolonged instability, the Central government imposed President’s Rule in the state on 13 February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The state assembly remains under suspended animation.
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