Manipur, India: On April 26, a mob of ‘miscreants’ set ablaze the venue in Churachandpur, Manipur where Chief Minister N Biren Singh was set to attend an event, prompting the district administration to issue prohibitory orders, including suspension of internet services. CM Biren Singh has said, “We will take action,” after the incident.
CM Biren Singh was to inaugurate an open gym constructed at PT Sports Complex in New Lamka, Churachandpur District on April 28. Following the incident, the state administration issued prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC, and also directed for immediate suspension of internet services across the district.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Forum (ITLF) called for a total shutdown in Churachandpur from 8 am to 4 pm on April 28 to protest the state government’s survey of protected and reserved forests, wetlands and wildlife and the eviction drive.
Churachandpur’s district administration said, “there is the likelihood of mobilization of the public for protest through social media and networking sites which could lead to escalation of public unrest and unlawful activities,” in the order. “Requested to kindly consider curbing/suspension of internet/mobile data in Charachandpur district with immediate effect and until the situation improves,” the order added.
Furthermore, the order reads, “Five or more persons which are likely to turn unlawful/violent or the carrying of sticks, stones firearms and/or weapons of any description or objects which can be used as offensive weapons should be prohibited as an immediate measure that is likely a breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and grave danger to human lives and properties.”
The Police Superintendent Karthik Malladi has said that the situation is under control and the CM’s event will proceed as scheduled. He said, “Despite the call for shutdown by one organisation, some people are out on the streets and several businesses have also opened their establishments.” Malladi said, “further investigations are underway,” as the police has picked up several suspects for questioning.
Visuals of the incident show huge crowds breaking chairs and damaging property inside a hall where N Biren Singh was scheduled to visit. They also set on fire sports equipment and the grounds where the event will be held.
The violent protest was allegedly led by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, which has been objecting to the Government’s survey of reserved and protected forests and similar areas like wetlands.
The forum has alleged that the State Government has demolished churches with “absolutely no consideration and respect for something which is deeply sacred…”
In a statement, the forum has said that it has been compelled to carry out a non-cooperation campaign with the government and its programmes, and called a bandh in the district on Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Kuki Students’ Organisation has also come out in support of the forum, alleging “stepmotherly treatment to tribals.” In a statement, the Kuki Students’ Organisation said it condemns “undermining tribal rights including demolition of religious centres and illegally evicting tribal villages”.
The State Government earlier this month demolished three churches in Manipur, which it said were “illegal constructions”.
