Churachandpur: Manipur government has imposed Section 144 for two more months in Churachandpur district after fresh violence erupted between Zomi and Kuki people and sporadic violence reported in some places within the town areas on December 18, more particularly at Thingkangphai village.
Under the government order, assembly of four or more people is prohibited under CrPc Section 144 to prevent further disturbances and dissemination of misinformation.
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According to police, a small group of Zo fanatics attempted to raise the Zomi flag and sprayed ZOGAM (Zoland) near the memorial stone of Thingkangphai Kuki Village on Monday around 9:15 pm. This led to a scuffle involving 50-60 individuals and by around 9:35pm, the situation escalated, with nearly 1000 Zo people protesting near the village chief’s house. Sensing the potential for a significant clash, Kuki residents from the Northern side of town (Tuibong area) began marching towards Thingkangphai.
Officers along with Quick Response Team (QRT) units of Churachandpur District Police successfully dispersed the crowd at about 9:40 pm. However, 6 individuals (2 Kuki and 4 Zo) sustained minor injuries, and they were promptly taken to Churachandpur District Hospital, receiving first aid before being discharged.
The situation came under control, and the dispersed crowd was effectively managed with continuous police deployment at about 10:45 pm on Monday.
However, another confrontation unfolded at Selmat bridge, the border between Kuki and Zo people around 11:30 pm. A police team, initially positioned between the two communities, managed the situation for a brief period before the Rapid Action Force (RAF) intervened. Despite both groups pelting stones at each other, the RAF timely fired tear gas shells, effectively quelling the violence and preventing further escalation. The Security forces finally dispersed both sides by 12:45 am.
A total of 22 persons reportedly sustained injuries with 3 to 4 individuals sustaining head injuries but they are said to be in a stable condition.
To address the situation, Churachandpur Superintendent of Police called a meeting at 11 am on Tuesday involving community leaders to discuss and find a resolution. In the meantime, police and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed at critical locations to prevent any unwanted incidents.
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Meanwhile, the Zomi Council (ZC) in a press release on Tuesday strongly condemning the “brutal attack against innocent Zomi civilians by Kuki hooligans” said its constituent units and Zomi Council Steering Committee in an emergency meeting on December 19, 2023 said, “while taking strong exception to the appeal circulated by Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) to go with the Kuki-Zo narrative thereby naming the burial site of our martyrs as ‘Kuki-Zo Martyrs cemetry,’ appreciated and supported the resolution of Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO) who has been entrusted with the responsibility of performing a decent burial of our martyrs. It is significant to note that the new-found, yet misnomer term ‘Kuki-Zo’ was never discussed nor a consensus as claimed by certain vested interest groups. It is therefore simply unacceptable to the Zomi.”
The Zomi Council further said, it will no longer tolerate and remain a mute spectator to those who spew venom in social media against Zomi in future. “ZC is shocked to notice the disrespect shown to and vulgar display of Zomi flag at Sialmat bridge. Zomi flag is a symbol of our pride, affection and loyalty which occupies a special place in the emotions and psyche of the Zomi,” the press release added.
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Similarly, the Paite Tribe Council GHQs and Young Paite Association GHQs also said it is dismayed to learn about the unwarranted misunderstanding of the incident in Lamka Town.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the PTC GHQ said, “With much difficulty and with the involvement of Centre government, the martyrs’ have been brought to our motherland who sacrifices their lives at the hands of the Meitei in the valley in the capital of Manipur. It is our bounden duty to give them honorable and peaceful last rite / Christian burial.”
The group further said the incident is unfortunate while stating that “some elements who have the intention to disrupt the propose funeral on December 20, 2023 on flimsy ground.”
The Paite Tribe Council GHQs and Young Paite Association GHQs also appealed to every member of the public, CSOs and concerned authorities to show due respect and cooperation in order that the burial of our martyrs slated for 20″ December, 2023 may be carried out with peace, dignity and honour.
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