Fresh Clashes Erupt Between Zomi and Hmar Tribes in Manipur's Churachandpur District

On Wednesday, Manipur's Churachandpur district witnessed fresh clashes between people from the Zomi and Hmar tribes, resulting in several injuries. The violence erupted just hours after an initial peace agreement was signed between the two communities.

The conflict began late on Tuesday when a group attempted to take down a flag of a Zomi militant group, sparking tensions in the town. This led to stone pelting and mobs armed with batons, forcing security personnel to intervene by firing tear gas shells and rounds into the air to control the situation. The chaos caused significant damage to properties, with shots also reportedly fired into the crowds by unknown individuals.

Security Forces Struggle to Control the Situation

The security forces faced a challenging task in maintaining control as mobs wreaked havoc in the town. The authorities responded by conducting flag marches and imposing a strict curfew across the district to curb the escalating violence. A public appeal was made for residents to stay indoors for their safety.

In response to the turmoil, the Zomi Students' Federation declared a district-wide shutdown, halting all regular activities. The shutdown was declared in light of the volatile situation in Churachandpur, with all businesses and educational institutions ordered to remain closed.

District Administration Calls for Peace and Cooperation

In an official statement, District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S acknowledged the significant distress caused by the conflict. He called for the restoration of peace and appealed to all parties to cease violent activities. He warned that any further violence would be met with strict legal action.

“No individual or group is allowed to take the law into their hands, and any such actions will be dealt with legally,” Dharun Kumar said, urging the community to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities.

Kumar also encouraged community leaders to engage in dialogue to help resolve the tensions peacefully.

Background to the Clashes

The violence between the Zomi and Hmar tribes traces back to an incident on Sunday when Richard Hmar, the general secretary of the Hmar Inpui, was attacked by members of the Zomi community. The altercation occurred after Richard Hmar's vehicle nearly hit a two-wheeler rider from the Zomi tribe, leading to a brief confrontation. This eventually escalated into violence, resulting in the imposition of a curfew on the following day.

As a response to the attack, the Hmar Village Volunteers imposed a shutdown in Pherzawl and Jiribam districts, areas predominantly inhabited by the Hmar tribe and a mix of ethnic communities, respectively.

Efforts Toward Peace and Settlement

Despite the renewed clashes, a peace settlement had been reached earlier on Tuesday between the two tribes. The agreement included financial compensation: the attacker's family agreed to pay Rs 50,000 for a traditional peace feast, and an initial sum of Rs 2 lakh was provided to cover the medical expenses of Richard Hmar, with more funds promised if necessary.

Both sides agreed to a commitment to prevent future violence and work toward lasting peace.

Ethnic Violence in Manipur and President's Rule

The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023, primarily involving Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. In response to the worsening situation, the Centre imposed President's rule in the state on February 13, after N Biren Singh, the former chief minister, resigned. The state assembly has been placed under suspended animation, further highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

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