Synopsis
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Churachandpur district, Manipur, due to heightened tensions following the brutal assault of a Hmar tribal leader. The administration aims to maintain peace and prevent further violence amid calls for justice against the assailants.Key Takeaways
- Indefinite curfew imposed in Churachandpur district.
- Attack on Hmar tribal leader raises tensions.
- ADM warns of potential law-and-order breakdown.
- Community leaders urged to engage in peace talks.
- ITLF demands justice for the assaulted leader.
Imphal, March 17 (NationPress) An indefinite curfew has been enforced in Churachandpur district of Manipur as of Monday, in response to escalating tensions after a brutal assault on a Hmar tribal leader by unidentified assailants the previous day, according to officials.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Churachandpur, Thangboi Gangte, reported that the Superintendent of Police indicated a significant risk of a breakdown in law and order within the district.
“This situation poses a serious threat to the harmony among various communities and could lead to loss of life and damage to public property,” remarked ADM Thangboi Gangte.
In his decree, Gangte stated that to “preserve law and order and prevent any violent incidents… under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a prohibitory order is hereby declared effective immediately and until further notice, forbidding unauthorized gatherings or unlawful assemblies of five or more individuals and the possession of weapons and any items that could be used as weapons, including sticks, rods, and stones.”
The Hmar Inpui Information and Publicity Secretary reported that on Sunday night, a group of individuals ambushed Richard Laltanpuia Hmar, General Secretary of Hmar Inpui, as he was returning home, blindfolded him, and assaulted him within the premises of V.K. Montessori School.
Currently, Laltanpuia Hmar is receiving medical treatment in a hospital due to severe injuries and substantial blood loss.
“The attackers, regardless of their identity, must be apprehended and punished by Monday; otherwise, Hmar Inpui will take its own measures,” stated the Information and Publicity Secretary.
The Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, Dharun Kumar S, has called on community leaders to unite for a peaceful dialogue.
“Violence and discord will not resolve issues; it is in everyone's best interest to seek common ground through peaceful discussions,” he urged.
The Deputy Commissioner assured that the District Administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, stating, “We have implemented continuous measures to manage the situation. Our law enforcement personnel are fully engaged in maintaining order, and appropriate actions are being taken to alleviate tensions. We remind all citizens that law and order will be enforced rigorously.”
Numerous other tribal organizations have condemned the “despicable and cowardly attack” on Richard Hmar, who is also affiliated with the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF).
The ITLF expressed, “The incident on Sunday is not an isolated occurrence. ITLF members have faced repeated targeting, revealing a troubling trend of harassment and violence. We denounce these cowardly actions aimed at silencing and intimidating our leadership and members.”
As a prominent organization representing the Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, the ITLF urged authorities to take prompt and effective measures to bring the offenders to justice and ensure the safety of their members.
“The culture of impunity must cease, and those accountable must face justice,” concluded the statement.
