Churachandpur Violence: Mob Attacks Government Complex Leaves1 dead and 25 injured

Churachandpur descended into chaos as a mob barged into the government complex, setting vehicles ablaze and causing extensive damage. The incident stemmed from the suspension of a head constable seen with armed men in a viral video.

Churachandpur/Imphal, February 15: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur's Churachandpur district on Thursday night after a mob barged into the government complex housing the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices. The incident occurred hours after a head constable of the district police was suspended for allegedly being seen with armed men in a video grab.

Photo Credit: PTI

Mob Attacks Government Complex

According to an official, a mob of hundreds of agitators entered the office rooms and vandalized government property. They torched several buses and trucks used by security forces and ransacked the premises. Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells and using minimum lethal force to disperse the crowd. The situation remains extremely volatile, the official added.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses reported that one person died and approximately 30 individuals sustained injuries during the clash. The trouble began in front of the Churachandpur SP office around 7:40 pm soon after the suspension order of SP Sivanand Surve went viral on social media.

Police Suspension Triggers Unrest

Earlier in the day, Manipur Police had posted on social media about an attempt by a mob of approximately 300-400 people to storm the SP's office. The police responded by firing tear gas shells to control the situation.

The suspension of head constable Siamlalpaul sparked outrage after a video of him with armed men and village volunteers went viral on social media. The police order described his actions as "very grave misconduct" for a member of the disciplined police force.

Departmental Inquiry Initiated

A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Siamlalpaul for making a video with armed men on February 14. He has been restricted from leaving the station without prior permission, and his pay and allowances have been limited to subsistence allowance.

Tribal Leaders Hold SP Responsible

Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has held SP Shivanand Surve responsible for the incident. The forum demanded the immediate revocation of the policeman's suspension and the SP's departure from the district within 24 hours. They warned that Mr. Surve would bear sole responsibility for any future incidents if their demands were not met.

The fresh violence in Churachandpur highlights the simmering tensions in Manipur. The suspension of the police officer and the subsequent mob attack on government property underscore the need for effective communication and conflict resolution mechanisms to address grievances and maintain peace in the region.