Manipur: Top officials leave Churachandpur after protests, internet suspended

Imphal: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Churachandpur district in Manipur have reportedly left the district following renewed violence that erupted on Thursday night.

Sources say Assam Rifles are currently managing law and order in the area.

On Friday, both the SP and the DC reportedly departed the district via helicopter after the violence. This followed a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a forum representing Kuki communities, demanding their departure.

The ITLF held SP Sivanand Surve and DC S Dharum Kumar responsible for the violence and subsequent police firing that claimed two lives. They threatened to shut down all government offices in the district if the DC and SP did not comply.

The violence erupted after a mob stormed the government compound housing the offices of the SP and DC, protesting the suspension of a Kuki head constable, Siamlalpaul, who was seen in a photograph with armed Kuki men. The mob reportedly clashed with security forces, leading to tear gas shelling and, ultimately, gunfire. At least two people were killed and 42 injured in the incident.

Manipur police reported that around 300-400 people stormed the SP office on Thursday night, throwing stones and forcing the use of tear gas. This incident followed the suspension of head constable Siamlalpaul, which drew accusations of unfair treatment towards the Kuki community.

To prevent further escalation and maintain peace, internet services in Churachandpur district were suspended for five days on Friday.