The tense atmosphere in Manipur’s curfew-imposed Churachandpur district persisted on Thursday, two days after violent clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.
According to police sources, security forces conducted flag marches overnight to maintain order and deter further violence.
Educational institutions and commercial establishments remained shuttered, while civil society organisations and church leaders sought to mediate peace efforts among the warring factions.
Authorities confirmed that 51-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte, a member of the Hmar community, succumbed to gunshot wounds after being rushed to Sielmat Christian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The unrest was sparked by an attack on Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar by alleged Zomi assailants on Sunday, prompting retaliatory violence and the subsequent imposition of curfew.
Displaced individuals from the Kuki community, who had taken refuge in relief camps, have been relocated to more secure areas as a precautionary measure.
Churachandpur town, predominantly inhabited by the Zomi people, also has pockets of Hmar and Kuki residents.
With tensions running high, student-led groups enforced a fresh shutdown on Wednesday, leading tribal leaders and political representatives to appeal for restraint.
Also read: Manipur's Churachandpur on edge as tribal clashes resume
A coalition of 12 Kuki-Zomi and Hmar organisations, operating within the district, jointly issued a statement advocating for communal harmony and announced the formation of a joint peace committee to prevent future conflicts.
Similarly, six MLAs from Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts have urged for the restoration of law and order, calling upon the administration to intervene decisively to de-escalate tensions.
Manipur has been marred by ethnic strife since May 2023, with over 250 casualties and thousands displaced amid violent confrontations between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups.
The deteriorating law and order situation led to the imposition of 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, with no immediate resolution in sight.
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