Peace rally turns violent at Churachandpur district; ST demands rally stages at some districts; Mobile data service suspended
IT News
Imphal, May 3 :
Peace solidarity rally organized by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) was staged today at various places Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Senapati , Kangpokpi and Chandel district of Manipur against the High Court directives to the state government to send a recommendation for listing of the Meitei community to the Scheduled Tribe list under the constitution of India. On the other hand, a large number of people staged rally in Sugnu area under Kakching district demanding ST list for the Meetei community while many other stages counter-protest rallies at various places including Sawombung of Imphal Saikul road, Phayeng, Kanglatombi, Langol, Kanto Lamkhai, Kangchup, Pangei and Torbung area.
Apart from ATSUM, various tribal organizations including the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the Sadar Hills Tribals Union on Land and Forest (SHITULF), Anal Lenruwl Tangpi/Anal Naga Students’ Union (ALT), and Churachandpur District Private Schools & Colleges Association (CDPSCA) and the Tribal Churches Leaders Forum (TCLF), Manipur extended its supports to the rally stating that the demand of the Meitei/Meetei community to be included in the ST category is a conspicuous attempt to suppress and subjugate the tribals of Manipur.
Large number of people joints the rally at Churachandpur district turning the situation into violent after some protestors burnt the office of the Forest Beat Officer at Bungmual, in Singhat Constituency. The protest at Kangpokpi district also turn violent after the protestors vandalized and tears the poster of Hun – Thadou Cultural Festival , 2023 held from April 18 to 19, 2023 at Thomas Ground, Kangpok district head quarter – with photos of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
At Moreh and Tengnoupal district headquarters, the rally was reported peaceful with no unwanted incident reported. Shops and all business establishment were shut down during the rally at Moreh and Tengnoupal district headquarter. The rally concluded after submitting a memorandum to the ADC and the DC of the Moreh and Tengnoupal districts. Later, normal life was resumed at the border town. The ATSUM rally was also staged at various other hill districts of the state. The situation in Churachandpur district turns violent after many smartphone users uploaded provoking videos.
At Torbung area in Churachandpur district, the scene turn ugly with some communities started violent activities. A group of people reportedly burn the gate of the Anglo-Kuki War memorials while some other started burning of some houses at Torbung area belonging to specific communities. Even some people were seen firing gunshots during today’s protest at both sides. Police were seen on the spot but could not controlled the mob on both side.
Later, the state home department of the Government of Manipur suspended Mobile data internet service for a period of 5 days.
