Manipur: Public gatherings barred in Churachandpur after Hmar leader allegedly assaulted

The Manipur government on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in Churachandpur district amid escalating tensions after a leader belonging to the Hmar tribal community was allegedly assaulted a day earlier.

On Sunday, Richard Hmar, the general secretary of Hmar Inpui, was allegedly attacked by a group of men inside the VK Montessori complex at Zenhang Lamka at around 7.30 pm, PTI quoted unidentified officials as saying.

Hmar Inpui is one of the apex bodies of the tribe. Churachandpur is home to Zomi, Kuki and Hmar, among other tribes.

After the attack, locals demanded the identification of the perpetrators, unidentified police officers told PTI. Protestors have also been attempting to enforce a shutdown in the town. Incidents of mobs throwing stones were also reported in some areas, the officers said.

On Monday, the additional district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita as a precautionary measure.

The section allows magistrates to issue immediate preventive orders in urgent cases to prevent obstruction, danger to life, public disturbance, or riots.

“Whereas reports have been received from the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, indicating a serious apprehension of a breach of law and order in the district, which is likely to disturb peace and tranquility among different communities and may lead to damage to...

Read more