Shutdown lifted in Manipur’s Churachandpur after peace pact

A day-long closure in the Churachandpur district of Manipur was ended after a peace deal late Monday, following a conflict between the Zomi and Hmar communities. In a joint announcement, leaders of the Hmar Inpui and the Zomi Council, which represent the Hmar and Zomi (sub-tribes of the Kuki and Zomi communities), stated that the district administration organized a joint meeting with community leaders.

The confrontation was sparked on Sunday when Hmar Inpui leader Richard Laltanpuia Hmar was reportedly assaulted. Hmar Inpui reported that he was stopped while heading home, blindfolded, and attacked on a school campus even after stating who he was.

As tensions rose, the district magistrate enacted a curfew throughout the district on Monday until further notice. On Monday, the Zomi Students’ Federation, which represents the Zo community, accused Richard Laltanpuia Hmar of being intoxicated while driving and causing a public disturbance, resulting in the confrontation. It cautioned against unnecessary shutdowns over “unfounded issues,” especially in Zomi-majority regions, and warned that any breaches would result in serious consequences.

Violence continued even after community leaders made a peace appeal, asking the public to stay calm and avoid interrupting daily life. On Monday night, unknown assailants ignited a blaze at the office of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum in Churachandpur. The office was somewhat damaged by fire and defaced.

Officials indicated they were observing the situation while work continued to bring back peace.