Manipur: 2 Killed And 25 Injured During Protest Against Suspension Of Head Constable (file image@manipur_police)
At least two killed and 25 injured during a clash with the security forces in Manipur. The clash erupted after hundreds from Kuki-Zo dominated Churachandpur came out protesting against the suspension of a head constable, after a selfie of him with “armed miscreants” went viral.
Police said protesters surrounded the office of the Superintendent of Police, demanding a reinstatement of the suspended constable, Siamlalpaul. The protesters set a bus on fire. Other structures outside the district police chief’s office were also set on fire. The security forces opened fire as the mob turned violent. Mobile internet in the district was also suspended in view of the violence.
The suspension order of the constable read, “a departmental inquiry is being contemplated against Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur district police, as a clip has gone viral on social media showing him making a video with armed men on February 14”.
Gunfights between rival armed group has become a daily scene now. The armed group, who call themselves “village defence volunteers”, often engage in fights with opposing group, since the ethnic tension between the hilly-majority Kuki-Zo tribes and the valley-majority Meiteis.
In a statement released on its X (formerly twitter), Manipur police said that a mob comprising of “approx. 300-400 attempted to storm the office of SP (Superintendent of Police) CCP (Churachandpur) today, pelting stone, etc”. The statement also added that the security forces including the RAF are responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. The police said, things are under control now.
Mob numbering approx. 300–400 attempted to storm the office of SP CCP today, pelting stones, etc. The SF, including the RAF, is responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch..
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) February 15, 2024
The protesters claim that the head constable was suspended unfairly, and demanded him to be reinstated.
The Kuki-Zo tribes repeatedly accused the involvement of state police in the attack of their villages. Police in turn refused the allegation every time and said that KUKI-Zo insurgents are involving in the bolstering of the “village defence volunteers”.
The ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei tribal groups has been dragged on for nine months now. The violence started in May last year, and has killed around 180 and 50,000 have been internally displaced.
