Imphal: The hill district of Churachandpur in Manipur now gripple with communal violence between two tribal groups. One person was killed and several others injured in a fresh outbreak of ethnic violence between the Zomi and Hmar tribes—both under the Kuki-Zo umbrella—in Manipur’s Churachandpur district late Tuesday night. The clash erupted just hours after the two communities, through their apex bodies—Hmar Inpui and Zomi Council—signed an agreement to lift a shutdown and restore normalcy in the district. However, tensions flared again when an attempt was made to remove a Zomi group’s flag, triggering a violent confrontation and reigniting fears of further unrest in the troubled region.
Authorities in Manipur’s Churachandpur district have imposed a curfew in several areas following renewed tensions between two tribal communities over the hoisting of community flags in a disputed territory. The unrest erupted between the Zomi and Hmar tribes on Tuesday after flags were raised in a contested zone between V Munhoih and Rengkai villages in the Churachandpur sub-division.
The Churachandpur District Magistrate, Dharun Kumar, issued an order enforcing a strict curfew in the two affected villages as well as in Kangvai, Samulamlan, and Sangaikot sub-divisions. However, partial relaxation has been allowed in the rest of Churachandpur from 6 AM to 5 PM until April 17 to enable residents to access essential supplies and services. Officials stated that further relaxation would depend on an assessment of the law-and-order situation.
Attempts to restore peace
In an effort to defuse tensions, village authorities from Rengkai and V Munhoih held a meeting under the supervision of the Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police. Both sides appealed for peace and urged people to refrain from spreading rumors on social media, which could escalate the situation.
Officials clarified that the dispute was a settlement issue between the two villages. They assured that the matter would be resolved through discussions between the village authorities.
This is not the first time tensions have flared between the two communities. On March 18, violent clashes broke out after a man allegedly took down a Zomi flag from a mobile tower and threw it on the ground, leading to one death and several injuries. The latest incident has reignited fears of further unrest, prompting preemptive measures by the administration.
Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any escalation. Authorities have warned against provocative actions and urged residents to cooperate in maintaining peace.
The situation remains under close watch, with officials hopeful that dialogue between the two communities will prevent further violence.
