Manipur Violence: Protest over sacking of Manipur 'selfie' cop leads to 2 deaths, 25 injuries
Churachandpur, Manipur: Tensions flared in Manipur's Churachandpur district as protests erupted following the suspension of a head constable after a viral selfie incident. Amidst the chaos, two individuals lost their lives, and 25 others sustained injuries in clashes with security forces.
The unrest stemmed from the suspension of Head Constable Siamlalpaul, who was allegedly depicted in a selfie alongside "armed miscreants" and "village defence volunteers" atop a hill. Protesters, predominantly from the Kuki-Zo tribes, demanded the reinstatement of the constable, accusing authorities of unjust action.
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 (@manipur_police) February 15, 2024
Violence erupted as demonstrators surrounded the office of the Superintendent of Police, setting ablaze a bus and other structures. Security forces resorted to firing as the situation escalated, resulting in casualties. In response to the turmoil, mobile internet services were suspended in the district to curb further unrest.
Authorities have initiated a departmental inquiry against Siamlalpaul, citing a viral video purportedly showing him associating with armed individuals on February 14. Manipur has witnessed ongoing conflicts between rival armed groups, notably between Kuki-Zo tribes and valley-majority Meiteis. The clashes have exacerbated ethnic tensions in the region.
According to Manipur Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed tear gas shells to disperse the protesting crowd, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) blamed the Churachandpur police chief for the violent incident, alleging police complicity in attacks on Kuki-Zo villages. The ITLF criticized authorities for failing to address alleged police collusion with armed groups. The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore calm amidst heightened ethnic tensions and grievances over the suspension of the head constable.
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In a recent development, the ex-chief of the Tengnoupal unit Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) has penned a letter to Manipur Police, seeking legal action against a senior officer. H Thangtinlen Daniel Mate alleges that Senior Superintendent of Police (Combat) Colonel Nectar Sanjenbam (retired) threatened his life during a late-night phone call.
Detailing the incident, Mate disclosed that he received a call from Colonel Nectar's number, followed by a menacing text message insinuating imminent harm. Expressing concern over the threat, Mate emphasized his lack of involvement in any actions warranting such intimidation.
Despite the grave nature of the allegations, no formal complaint has been lodged as of yet. Colonel Nectar, renowned for his pivotal role in India's 2015 surgical strikes in Myanmar, assumed the role of Senior Superintendent of Police (Combat) in August 2023, appointed by the Manipur government for a five-year term. His decorated military background includes service in the esteemed 21 Para (Special Forces) unit and receipt of prestigious gallantry awards, including the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
The situation in Manipur remains precarious, with longstanding ethnic tensions between the Kuki-Zo tribes and Meiteis persisting over disputes regarding land, resources, political representation, and affirmative action policies. The ongoing violence has claimed over 180 lives and displaced approximately 50,000 individuals, exacerbating the region's instability.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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