Situation in CCpur still tense; ZSF relaxes shutdown hours
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Churachandpur:, March 20 2025: Vehicles stayed off the roads, school and office attendance was thin arid security forces patrolled Manipur's curfew-bound Churachandpur district on Thursday, two days after clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities that claimed a life and left several injured, police said.

Throughout Wednesday night, security personnel conducted flag marches to prevent further violence.

At least one person, 51-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte from the Hmar community, was killed in Tuesday night's clashes.

He suffered bullet injuries and was taken to Sielmat Christian Hospital in Churachandpur, where he was declared dead.

Situation in CCpur still tense;

The clashes between the two tribes started after Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar was attacked by some Zomi people on Sunday, leading to violence and imposition of curfew in the district the next day.

Meanwhile, several displaced people from the Kuki community in relief camps were moved to safer locations.

Churachandpur town is mainly home to Zomi people, with Hmar and Kuki communities living in some areas.

Hours after a shutdown was imposed by a student body in Churachandpur district on Wednesday, a group of MLAs and tribal organisations separately appealed for peace.

In a joint statement, at least 12 Kuki-Zomi and Hmar organisations based in Churachandpur district have called for peace among communities and agreed to form a joint peace committee to monitor the situation and prevent misunderstandings in the future.

Six MLAs from Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts have also issued a joint appeal for peace and harmony, urging the administration to take necessary measures to restore law and order.

Notably, more than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in Manipur in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.The Centre had imposed President's rule in the state on February 13 after N Bi-ren Singh resigned as chief minister.

The state assembly, which has tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

Meanwhile, Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF) announced on Thursday that the total shutdown, initially imposed on Wednesday due to the volatile situation in the town, will be partially relaxed from 4 am to 6 pm daily until further notice.

In a press statement, ZSF information and publicity wing informed that the decision to ease the restriction period was made as the situation in the area had significantly improved.

Despite the relaxation, the indefinite shutdown remains in effect, with businesses, shops, and commercial establishments staying closed.

The streets continue to appear deserted, and daily activities remain largely disrupted.

Earlier in the day, residents who ventured out to procure essential supplies were seen hurrying back home.

However, no untoward incidents have been reported, and the overall situation in the town remains peaceful.

(With inputs from PTI) .