protests-erupt-in-manipur-after-attack-on-hmar-tribal-leader

Tensions gripped Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday following the assault of a Hmar tribal leader by unidentified miscreants, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders across the district.

 

The attack on Richard Hmar, general secretary of Hmar Inpui, an apex tribal body, has triggered widespread unrest, with locals demanding swift identification and punishment of the perpetrators.

 

According to police sources, Hmar was assaulted within the VK Montessori complex at Zenhang Lamka around 7:30 pm on Sunday.

 

In response to the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the Additional District Magistrate invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibiting unlawful gatherings and the carrying of weapons.

 

“Whereas reports have been received from the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, indicating a serious apprehension of a breach of law and order in the district, which is likely to disturb peace and tranquillity among different communities and may lead to damage to life and public property,” stated the official order.

 

The directive bans unauthorised processions and the assembly of five or more individuals, while also outlawing the possession of objects that could serve as weapons, such as sticks, rods, and stones.

Also read: MHA updates list of 67 banned unlawful, militant groups

 

Meanwhile, groups of protesters attempted to enforce a shutdown in Churachandpur town, coercing shopkeepers to close their establishments.

 

Breaking ‼️

Curfew imposed in Churachandpur following an incident where the Hmar community's general secretary was reportedly assaulted by members of the Paite community.

In response, the Hmar community has called for a shutdown in the district.

Is this the result of… pic.twitter.com/wVz7HC1JIX

— B.NeT🇮🇳 (@bonetsep) March 17, 2025

 

Some demonstrators were seen wielding sticks as they patrolled the streets, and incidents of stone pelting were reported in certain areas.

 

The Hmar Inpui strongly condemned the attack and issued a statement demanding that those responsible be handed over immediately, warning that failure to do so would result in the organisation taking “its own course of action.”

 

Sources suggested that the incident stemmed from a dispute involving a vehicle driven by Hmar, which allegedly came close to colliding with a two-wheeler. The near-miss led to an altercation that escalated into the physical assault.

 

Security forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation, and officials are monitoring the situation closely.

 

Authorities have appealed for calm, urging residents to refrain from actions that could worsen the already tense environment.