Imphal: Ethnic tensions erupted in Manipur’s Churachandpur district late Tuesday night, leading to the death of one person and injuries to several others, according to police reports.
The clashes involved members of the Zomi and Hmar tribal communities, breaking out mere hours after a peace settlement had been reached between their representatives and the families of conflicting groups.
The violence reportedly began when attempts were made to remove a flag belonging to a Zomi armed group in a tribal area of Churachandpur.
The incident quickly escalated into mob violence and stone-pelting, with armed cadres from both communities engaging in the clashes before security forces could intervene.
Police and security personnel used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the crowds, but the unrest led to the death of a 53-year-old man identified as Lalropui Pakhumate.
Authorities are yet to confirm the circumstances of his death or determine who fired the fatal shots.
Several properties were also vandalised during the unrest, adding to the challenges faced by security forces attempting to control the situation.
District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. issued an urgent appeal for peace, urging residents to avoid violence and respect the rule of law.
In response, a large deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) was sent to Churachandpur and surrounding sensitive areas to restore order.
CAPF officials conducted flag marches in the affected regions to demonstrate a strong security presence and discourage further hostilities.
The fresh violence comes in the wake of an agreement reached between the Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council tribal organizations on Tuesday, resolving a previous conflict stemming from the March 16 assault of Hmar Inpui General Secretary, Richard Laltanpuia Hmar.
Hmar was reportedly stopped, blindfolded, and severely beaten by local assailants near V.K. Montessori School.
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He is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.
During Tuesday’s meeting, tribal leaders and the families involved agreed on a resolution as per local customs.
This included monetary compensation for medical expenses and a peace feast, signalling an intent to avoid future violence.
Despite this, the volatile situation in the district underscores the fragile state of ethnic relations in the region.
