IT News
Imphal, March 19:
Fresh ethnic violence between the Zomi and Hmar communities in Churachandpur district has left one person dead and several others injured, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The clashes erupted late on Tuesday in Churachandpur town, just hours after a peace agreement was signed between the apex bodies of the two communities. Tensions flared after a group of men attempted to remove a flag belonging to a Zomi militant outfit, leading to a violent confrontation. During the clashes, Lalropui Pakhumate, 53, was shot dead as violence spiraled out of control. Police officials stated that the situation worsened after members of the Hmar community opposed the hoisting of the Zomi flag. The previous day, a Zomi group had allegedly assaulted a Hmar leader, further fueling tensions.
In response to the unrest, the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) called for an immediate shutdown across Churachandpur district, suspending all activities and closing down schools, colleges, shops, and business establishments until normalcy is restored. The student body stated that the shutdown was necessary due to the volatile situation and urged residents to stay indoors.
Eyewitnesses reported that mobs armed with batons engaged in stone-pelting, prompting security personnel to intervene.
Security forces fired tear gas shells and several rounds in the air to disperse rioters, but violence continued, resulting in vandalism of multiple properties. Gunshots were also fired during the clashes, though it remains unclear who was responsible, officials said. To prevent further escalation, security forces conducted flag marches across the town and imposed a strict curfew in the entire district. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and cooperate with law enforcement.
The Churachandpur district administration has issued a strong appeal urging all parties to cease violent activities and restore peace. District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. stated that the conflict had resulted in significant distress and suffering on both sides, with reports of attacks and increasing tensions. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone engaging in violence and called on community leaders to engage in dialogue with the administration to resolve the crisis peacefully.
The latest clashes were triggered by an incident on Sunday, when Hmar Inpui General Secretary Richard Hmar was allegedly attacked by members of the Zomi community. The altercation began when Hmar, while driving, nearly collided with a two-wheeler rider belonging to the Zomi community. A brief argument escalated into a violent attack on him, leading to heightened tensions between the two groups. In response, the Hmar Village Volunteers (HVV) enforced a total shutdown in Pherzawl and Jiribam districts. Pherzawl is predominantly inhabited by the Hmar tribe, while Jiribam has a mixed population, with Meiteis forming the majority.
Just hours before the fresh violence, the Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council had signed a peace settlement to lift the shutdown and refrain from any disruptive activities. As part of the agreement, the attacker’s family agreed to pay Rs 50,000 to Richard Hmar’s family for conducting a traditional peace feast. An initial sum of Rs 2 lakh was pledged for his medical treatment, with further financial assistance promised if needed. Both communities pledged to prevent any future violence.
However, despite these efforts, tensions remain high in Churachandpur as authorities struggle to contain the unrest and prevent further bloodshed.