A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur, tension gripped Churachandpur district headquarters as large numbers of youths staged protests in front of the police station demanding the release of those arrested in connection with vandalism of decorations put up to welcome the Prime Minister.
On the evening of September 12, a group of youths allegedly vandalized decorations at Pearsonmun village, about five kilometres from Churachandpur Police Station, arranged ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit. Police rushed to the spot, clashed with the miscreants, and arrested three individuals as part of follow-up action.
The arrests sparked unrest the next day, with large groups of youths gathering near the police station, shouting slogans and demanding unconditional release of those detained. Video footage showed protesters blocking roads and confronting security personnel during the standoff.
The situation remained tense as police attempted to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
It may be mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Churachandpur and Imphal yesterday and addressed public meeting at both the places for the first time since the outbreak of the crisis that has gripped the state since May 3, 2023.