One person was killed and several were injured on Thursday evening as a mob belonging to the Kuki-Zo community attacked the Office of the Superintendent of Police of Churachandpur district in Manipur. The mob was protesting the suspension of a Kuki-Zo Head Constable from service.

“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..” Manipur Police posted on X.

Subsequently, in view of the situation, the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur Dharun Kumar S, IAS imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the district prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons. The order also mentioned that prohibition on carrying of arms was already being enforced in the district. The DC stated the “need for necessary assistance from the central forces” as the situation “has gone beyond the control of the District Administration and District Police” and requested the services of Assam Rifles in Churachardpur town and adjoining areas with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a Kuki organisation, has blamed the Superintendent of Police of Churachandpur Shivanand Surve, IPS for the incident that took place on 15th February 2024, where “one person was shot dead by security forces and at least 25 others were injured.”

In a statement, ITLF demanded that Surve either “immediately revoke” the suspension of Head Constable Siamlaipani of Churachandpur District Police or leave the district within 24 hours.

“Otherwise, Mr. Surve will bear sole responsibility for any future incident,” ITLF warned.

On 15th February 2024, the SP had issued a suspension order of Head Constable Siamlaipani for “making a video with armed miscreants was seen sitting together with Village Volunters on 14-02-2024.”

ITLF objected stating that “Despite multiple evidences of Meitei police collaborating with Meitei militants and engaging in violence against tribal communities, no actions have been taken against them. In contrast, a Kuki-Zo tribal policeman was swiftly suspended based on a single screengrab.”

Further, the organisation also announced a shutdown on Friday to protest the killing of a civilian by security forces.