Imphal/Churachandpur: Tensions flared in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday after the assault of Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar by unidentified assailants.
The incident occurred Sunday evening inside the VK Montessori complex in Zenhang Lamka, prompting local outrage and protests demanding swift action against the perpetrators.
In response to the unrest, the additional district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS 2023 across the district.
The order cited concerns over potential breaches of law and order that could disrupt peace among communities and endanger lives and property.
The directive prohibits unauthorised gatherings of five or more people, processions, and the carrying of weapons or items that could be used as weapons, such as sticks, rods, and stones.
According to police, groups of protesters have been attempting to enforce a shutdown in the district headquarters, with men patrolling the streets wielding sticks and urging shopkeepers to close their establishments.
Stone pelting incidents have also been reported in certain areas.
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The assault reportedly stemmed from a confrontation after Richard Hmar, who was driving a vehicle, allegedly almost collided with a two-wheeler. The situation escalated into an altercation, leading to the attack.
Hmar Inpui, one of the apex bodies of the Hmar tribe, strongly condemned the incident in a statement, demanding that the attackers be identified and apprehended immediately.
The group warned that failure to act would compel them to “take its own course of action.”
