Imphal: A shutdown gripped Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Wednesday as clashes between the Zomi and Hmar tribal communities left one person dead and several injured.
In response to the unrest, six MLAs and 12 tribal organisations issued separate appeals for peace and harmony in the curfew-bound region.
Tensions erupted on Tuesday night in Churachandpur town, when some individuals attempted to remove a flag belonging to a Zomi armed group.
Before security forces could intervene, mobs and armed cadres from both groups clashed, hurling stones and engaging in violent confrontations.
Authorities confirmed that security forces deployed tear gas and fired rounds in the air to disperse the crowds.
However, the clashes escalated, leading to the death of Lalropui Pakhumate, 53, whose cause of death remains under investigation.
Mobs also vandalised property, and shots were reportedly fired by armed individuals mingling with the crowds.
In the wake of the violence, a student-led shutdown was called, bringing the district to a standstill. Shops, markets, offices, and businesses remained closed, further disrupting daily life.
In a joint statement, six MLAs urged community leaders and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to work toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
“We appeal to the state government and district administration to prioritize the restoration of law and order,” they said, emphasising their commitment to achieving harmony.
Twelve tribal organisations representing the Hmar and Zomi communities echoed the call for peace.
In their statement, they pledged to establish a joint peace committee to monitor inter-community relations and address future disputes.
“Our collective efforts will heal wounds and build a future where all communities can coexist with dignity and respect,” they asserted.
District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. called for an immediate end to violence and urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their hands.
He highlighted the deployment of a large contingent of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain vigilance and prevent further unrest.
The recent clashes follow a settlement between the Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council regarding the March 16 assault of Hmar Inpui General Secretary Richard Laltanpuia Hmar.
The incident, which involved his blindfolding and severe beating, led to an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur.
After negotiations, the two communities resolved the dispute through local customary practices.
The attacker’s family paid Rs. 50,000 to the victim’s family as part of a traditional peace settlement.
Despite this resolution, fresh violence erupted, underscoring the fragility of peace in the region.
Meanwhile, Churachandpur District Hospital reported that mobs stormed the facility late Tuesday, intimidating staff and patients. Security forces intervened to restore calm.
