Forest office torched, night curfew clamped; unrest ebbs
Source: The Sangai Express

CCpur, April 29 2023: The unrest that erupted in the wake of Chief Minister N Biren's aborted visit to Churachandpur on Friday spilled over till today with stand-off between protesters and the police spreading to multiple locations and continuing overnight.

The stand-off that was initially confined to areas around the venue of the CM's visit took a worse turn after dark as the unrest spread to New Bazar, Tui-bong, K Salbung and Karpang.

At New Lamka where local MLA LM Khaute was planning to host the Chief Minister, a fierce stand-off ensued between the police and protesters with tear-gas shells and mock bombs besides intermittent shots of live round filling the air from around noon yesterday till late last night.

Forest office torched, night curfew clamped; unrest ebbs

Several protesters were reportedly injured in the process and a number of them were taken into custody by the police.

The protest however spread spontaneously to other areas as words about protesters being taken into custody and police reinforcement spread as dark set in.

People started gathering to stop the police which protesters claimed were com- mando personnel sent from outside the district.

Roadblocks were set at Tuibong and multiple locations along the Tidim Road.

The reported firing of live rounds at some of these sites and the alleged transfer of some protesters to Moirang invited more turnout as police resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs throughout the night at multiple locations across the district.

Meanwhile, a mob torched the Range Forest Office at Tuibong Forest Gate around midnight and burnt tyres on the streets.

Several CSO leaders, social workers and the MLA of Saikot AC Paolenlal Haokip intervened to pacify the situation to an extent.

However the stand-off continued all night at some locations.

In the morning, the situation still looked grim at some areas as the stand-off showed no sign of winding-up.

Within the town, shops were opened briefly and vehicular movement kicked up but the situation changed quickly as some youths started blocking the roads and asking shopkeepers to down their shutters.

At around 11 am today, the DGP convened a crucial meeting with several CSO leaders and accordingly, the CSO leaders raised their hands and managed to finally cool down the situation.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Young Paite Association (YPA) Ghq; Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) Ghq; Siamsinpawlpi (SSPP) Ghq; Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi (KKL) Ghq; Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) CCpur District and Hmar Students Association.

While the Addl DGP Law & Order, IGP Zone -II, DIGP Range -III, DC/CCpur, Addl DC CCpur and SDOs represented the Government.

Meanwhile the District Magistrate clamped night curfew late last night prohibiting movement of any person outside their respective residences between 5 pm and 5 am until further orders.

Earlier, prohibitory orders under 144 CrPC were invoked and mobile data service has been curbed by authorities in the district.

It is learnt that at least 20 protesters and several policemen were injured on Thursday night.