Manipur: Mob attacks Churachandpur SP office, killing at least 1 person and injuring 25 others; Internet shutdown, Section 144

About 300 to 400 people tried to storm the police chief’s office in Churachandpur district, a district dominated by the Kukizo tribe in Manipur. Security forces opened fire to disperse them, killing at least one person and injuring about 25 others. Thursday night. A mob has gathered to protest the suspension of a police chief after his selfie with an “armed gangster” went viral.

Due to the tense situation in the area, the Manipur government imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the area and temporarily shut down mobile internet in Churachandpur for five days.

According to Manipur police, rioters tried to break into the police chief’s office, pelted stones outside the office and set fire to a bus and other buildings. They demanded the reinstatement of police chief Shimlal Paul, who took a selfie in the bunker of “armed goons” and “village defense volunteers” on a hilltop.

In response, security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), used tear gas to control the situation. The angry mob then turned violent and shots were fired.

“The mob numbered approx. 300-400 people today tried to storm the SP CCP office, throwing stones etc. SF [security forces] including the RAF [Rapid Action Force], are responding appropriately, firing tear gas to control the situation. The matter is being monitored,” Manipur police posted on X.

Sheriff suspended

SP Siamalpaul was “suspended with immediate effect until further orders” by Churachandpur SP Shivanand Surve after a video of him with “armed men” and “sitting with village volunteers” went viral on social media.

“This amounts to very serious misconduct by members of a highly disciplined police force,” a police order said.

“The department is considering an investigation against Churachandpur district police officer Siamalpaul after a video went viral on social media showing him shooting a video with armed men on February 14,” the order said.

The statement said that Siamla Paul was asked “not to leave the station without prior permission” and that “his salary and allowances are limited to living allowance as per regulations”.

Violence in Manipur

Since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, armed village volunteers from different communities have been guarding their villages on the outskirts of different districts to prevent attacks by rival communities.

Ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes has killed more than 180 people and displaced more than 70,000 people since May 3 last year.