One killed, several injured as Manipur's Churachandpur turns tense again over ethnic clash

Guwahati: One person was killed and several others were injured in a fresh clash between people belonging to Hmar and Zomi tribes in Manipur's Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district on Tuesday night, escalating tension in the district.

The violence broke out when Hmar groups opposed a Zomi faction hoisting their community flag on the outskirts of Churachandpur leading to the death of Lalropui Pakhumate, 53 in the clash that followed. Mobs armed with batons clashed and pelted stones as the security forces used tear gas to control the situation.

Hmar and Zomis share an ethnic affinity and are part of the greater Kuki-Zo community but tension began on Sunday night when a Hmar leader was attacked allegedly by people belonging to the Zomi tribe. The fresh attack took place hours after the Hmar and Zomi tribes reached an agreement for cessation of the conflict.

In response to the renewed clashes, the Zomi Students’ Federation announced an "indefinite emergency shutdown" from Wednesday, citing the volatile situation in the region.

As the situation remained tense, the district administration appealed to the church leaders and the local community-based organisations to intervene for the restoration of peace. Following this, at least 12 church leaders, student leaders and community-based organisations belonging to Hmar, Zomi and Kukis issued a joint call for the restoration of peace through dialogue.

The fresh violence is seen as a setback to the unity of the Kuki-Zo communities, who have been facing a conflict with the Meiteis since May 2023. President's Rule was imposed in Manipur in February in view of the conflict involving the Kukis and Meiteis.