IMPHAL: Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Churachandpur district after two people died and numerous injuries in clashes, prompting the suspension of internet services by local authorities for five days.
According to reports, a mob attempted to storm the Churachandpur Superintendent of Police (SP) office on Thursday night, leading to chaos and violence.
The Manipur police took the drastic measure of suspending internet services in the district amid concerns that social media could be used to incite further unrest.
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Quoting a notification, local press highlighted apprehensions that social media platforms might be exploited by anti-social elements to disseminate inflammatory content, potentially escalating the law-and-order situation.
While the Manipur police have yet to confirm the deaths, district hospital officials reportedly identified the deceased as Letlalkhuol Gangte and Thanggunlen Haokip, both residents of Churachandpur, who succumbed to gunshot wounds, a national daily reported.
Trouble reportedly began following the suspension of a head constable from the district police force, whose visuals alongside armed individuals went viral on social media platforms.
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The suspension order, issued by SP Sivanand Surve, triggered outrage, leading to protests and subsequent violence.
The suspension of the head constable, identified as Siamlalpaul, sparked demands for his reinstatement from protesters, who viewed the action as unjust.
The Churachandpur-based Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) called for a district-wide shutdown in response to the violence and deaths.
The situation remains tense in Churachandpur district as authorities work to restore calm and investigate the underlying causes of the unrest.
