Manipur: Unrest continues in Churachandpur amid internet suspension, Section 144 in place

Manipur’s Churachandpur district turned into a war zone on April 28 after a violent protest broke out in the district, with protesters setting vehicles ablaze, causing chaos and panic in the city.

Internet services have been suspended while security personnel continue to march through the district as there have been isolated reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.

Churachandpur town continues to remain tense even after an agreement was reached between the Inspector General and the students' body leader. According to reliable sources, people are enraged over the non-withdrawal of Police Commando forces from the district headquarters, despite the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum agreeing to withdraw the protest.

Highly agitated mobs gathered at the Tuibong Bazar area last night and resorted to burning tyres on the roads and ringing electric poles to make their voices heard across every locality. A scuffle broke out between the police and local mobs on the Sielmat Bridge, adding to the already tense situation.

It is also reported that local MLA of 58-Churachandpur Assembly Constituency, LM Khaute, was allegedly attempting to escape the ire of local residents after inviting Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh to the district. According to sources, local people perceive Khaute as anti-tribal, and he has been escorted by police to Imphal for his safety.

An uneasy calm envelopes the district as security forces continue to march in and around the district to prevent any further chaos.

Also read : Manipur: Unrest in Churachandpur as protests turn violent