Churachandpur: The Kuki-Zomi netizens of Churachandpur District who reacted strongly over the “suspension order” of a Head Constable, Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur District Police on Thursday night took a violent turn claiming two lives, injuring several others numbering at least 30, and including one in a critical state.
Must read | Two injured including one BSF jawan in separate firing incidents in Manipur
The deceased persons are identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte, son of Kamkhomang Gangte from Nalon Village and Thanggunlen Haokip, son of Seilal Haokip from S. Canan Veng. The critically injured person is identified as Lamginmang of Boljol, Phaicham. He is still battling for life in the ICU of District hospital Churachandpur till the time of filing this report.
Must read | Supreme Court strikes down Electoral Bond scheme
In the wake of volatile situation in the Kuki-Zomi dominated District, the Manipur Government has suspended all mobile internet services temporarily until further notice.
A large irate crowd of around 400 people tried to storm the office of Churachandpur District police at around 7:40 pm on Thursday, hours after the suspension order was issued by District Superintendent of Police, Shivanand Surve, IPS.
Must read | Facts about Article 371-C: Attempts to tinker with it could trigger a tribal vs non-tribal conflict
Security forces tried to disperse the mob by firing tear gas shells and used minimum lethal force, said official source. However despite the attempt to repel the irate crowd in large number, the Mini Secretariat Churachandpur and District SP Offices were put on flames and damaged. Several government properties were reported to have been ransacked, including several buses and trucks used by security forces were also set ablaze by the irate mob.
Check this | Mrs Hume’s Pheasant Community Reserve Opens In Jessami
Manipur police claims that a mob of around 300 to 400 irate mob tried to storm the Churachandpur SP Office.
Manipur police took to X, “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.”
The suspension order came after a video went viral on social media showing the Head Constable, Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur District Police appearing in a video with armed group allegedly on Wednesday. The relevant authority considering the actions of the State force personnel’s “misconduct” suspended Siamlalpaul on Thursday.
Shivanand Surve, IPS Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur District, Manipur issued the suspension order dated February 15, 2024 No. B-2/8/SP-CCP/2012.
Must read | Abnormal population growth of Chin-Kuki-Zo in Manipur since 1881
The suspension order says, a Departmental Enquiry under Rule 66 Part-III of Assam Police Manual (APM) is being contemplated against Head Constable Siarnlalpaid of Churachandpur District Police, as a video is viral on social media showing him making a video with armed miscreants was seen sitting together with Village Volunteers on 14-02-2024. This tantamount to very grave misconduct, being a member of disciplined police force. Now, therefore, the undersigned as empowered under Rule 66 Part-III of APM do hereby place Head Constable Siamlalpaul Churachandpur District Police under suspension from his service with immediate effect and until further orders. During the period under which this order remains in force, the Headquarter of Head Constable Siamlalpaui shall be Reserve Line, DHQ-Churachandpur and he shalt not leave the station without prior permission of the undersigned. His pay and allowances is restricted to the subsistence allowances admissible as per the Rules.
Must read | On Arambai Tenggol’s watch, 37 legislators, 2 MPs take Oath in a ‘Historic Day’ at Kangla Fort
However, the members of the Kuki-Zo community has objected to the authority’s action as “discriminatory”. The Kuki-Zo community and ITLF has accused Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh of sponsoring armed radical group, the Arambai Tenggol and letting them go scot-free, to the extend of Meitei legislators taking Oath of Allegiance to the armed radical group.
Kuki-Zo frontal organisation, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum has called shutdown of Churachandpur District on Friday to protest the killing of civilians by security forces. ITLF said, if SP Shivanand Surve cannot act fairly, he will not be allowed to remain in any tribal area. ITLF, serving ultimatum has demanded the SP to revoke the suspension order of the head constable and leave Churachandpur in 24-hours, and warned that the SP will bear sole responsibility for any future incident.
The ITLF also claimed that no one was hauled up for the arms looting incident at the 5th IRB camp in Imphal, an incident which occurred on February 13. It accused the police personnel stationed at the IRB camp of allowing the looting of arms and ammunition with any resistance.
It may be mentioned that 7 personnel of the 5th IRB have been already suspended for their negligence.
Must read | Manipur Violence: 1 killed, Army JCO injured in 2 separate incidents in Imphal East
The Kuki Inpi has also condemned the suspension of Head Constable Siamlalpaul calling it an outrageous act of discrimination against the Kukis. It said that the rampant misuse of State mechanism by the Manipur State government is against any Constitutional provision and must be duly addressed. The Manipur State that has discriminated, terrorised and murdered us must no longer apply to our people. India’s indifference in dealing with the majority oppression against the tribals is a grave misdeed that generations will remember. The Kukis too deserve justice and equality as equal citizens.
Don’t miss this | Tamenglong: Call for peace echoed at Lui-Ngai-Ni 2024 celebration
Meanwhile, reacting to social media posts of Kuki MLA Paolianlal Haokip with regards to the violent turn of event on Thursday night at Churachandpur, Minister Govindas Konthoujam has accused the Kuki MLA of playing communal victim card and called him a pseudo politician. Govindas accused the MLA of inciting hatred among communities for his personal gains. He posted on X…’True leadership should prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, irrespective of their background, and work towards fostering unity and reconciliation within diverse communities. Beware of such pseudo politicians.
About The Author
