Manipur tribal body reverses cease work call over suspension of police personnel

IMPHAL: A tribal organization in Manipur has retracted its call for government employees to abstain from work following the suspension of a police head constable, who was reportedly seen in a video with armed individuals.

In a statement, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) said, “In the interest of the general public, the closure of state government offices will be lifted immediately.”

The previous day, government offices in Churachandpur and neighbouring Pherzawl districts in Manipur witnessed low attendance after the ITLF urged staff members to refrain from reporting to work.

The ITLF reiterated its demand for the replacement of the district superintendent of police (SP) and deputy commissioner (DC), as well as the revocation of the head constable's suspension, stating that these requests have not been addressed.

The statement mentioned that despite orders for the safety of the SP and DC, they returned to the district at their own risk.

The ITLF expressed regret over the violence at a government complex in Churachandpur district of Manipur on February 15, clarifying that the incident occurred without its knowledge.

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It urged people to refrain from such aggressive actions in the future, warning of consequences for those involved in any further hostile behaviour.

The violence erupted after the suspension of head constable Siamlalpaul, who was captured in a viral video alongside armed individuals and village volunteers.

Following the suspension, Siamlalpaul was directed to remain at the station without permission to leave, and his pay and allowances were restricted.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh condemned the violence, revealing that an individual had been charged for threatening the SP's life and that repairs were underway for the damaged DC bungalow.

He questioned the motives behind the violence, suggesting a hidden agenda, and assured the safety of government records.

Additionally, the Manipur government initiated a magisterial inquiry to investigate the incident, with a report expected within 30 days to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the violence.