Manipur: Fresh Violence Erupts in Churachandpur Day After PM Modi’s Visit; Security Forces Clash with Protesters
The unrest was triggered by demands for the release of two youths arrested on September 12 for allegedly vandalizing government property and decorations ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
CHURACHANDPUR- A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur’s Churachandpur district and appealed for peace, fresh violence broke out today as protesters clashed with security forces outside the local police station.
The unrest was triggered by demands for the release of two youths arrested on September 12 for allegedly vandalizing government property and decorations ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
What began as a peaceful protest escalated when groups of protesters,” resorted to stone-pelting, sticks, and attempts to storm the police station.
Security personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), CRPF, and Manipur Police, were deployed to contain the situation. Social media videos show chaotic scenes of crowds chasing and attacking retreating forces. Unconfirmed reports suggest the police station was partially damaged, though no casualties have been officially reported so far.
The violence is concentrated in Churachandpur town, already under curfew due to recurring unrest. Additional forces have been rushed in to prevent escalation, and the situation remains tense.
Churachandpur, a Kuki-Zo dominated hill district, has been at the heart of ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes between Kuki-Zo tribals and the Meitei community erupted, leaving over 260 dead and around 60,000 displaced.
During his visit yesterday, PM Modi met displaced families, announced projects worth over ₹7,300 crore, and called for reconciliation. However, today’s incident underscores the deep-rooted grievances and fragile peace in the region.
Authorities have appealed for calm and assured a fair investigation into the arrests and the violence.
