Manipur Imposes Prohibitory Orders in Churachandpur After Hmar Leader Assault

Manipur Imposes Prohibitory Orders in Churachandpur After Hmar Leader Assault

Richard Hmar, Hmar Inpui General Secretary, Allegedly Attacked

The Manipur government has imposed prohibitory orders in Churachandpur district following tensions that arose from an alleged assault on Richard Hmar, a leader of the Hmar tribal community.

Details of the Attack on Richard Hmar

  • Richard Hmar serves as the general secretary of Hmar Inpui, a prominent organization representing the Hmar tribe in Churachandpur.
  • The incident occurred on Sunday around 7:30 pm inside the VK Montessori complex at Zenhang Lamka.
  • Churachandpur is home to various tribes, including Zomi, Kuki, and Hmar.

Protests and Shutdown Attempts in Response to the Attack

Locals have demanded the identification of the perpetrators, and protestors have attempted to enforce a shutdown in the town. Incidents of mobs throwing stones have also been reported in some areas.

Prohibitory Orders Under Section 163

On Monday, the additional district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent obstruction, danger to life, public disturbance, or riots.

  • The order prohibits unauthorized processions or unlawful assemblies of five or more persons.
  • It also bans the carrying of arms or instruments that can be used as weapons, including sticks, rods, and stones.

Hmar Inpui’s Statement on the Attack

Hmar Inpui has issued a statement condemning the attack and demanding that the perpetrators hand themselves over to the group by 10 am on March 17, 2025. The group has emphasized that it will not take the matter lightly and will resort to its own course of action if the perpetrators do not comply.

Appeal for Peaceful Dialogue

Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar has urged community leaders in the district to engage in peaceful dialogue to maintain unity and diversity in the region.

Ongoing Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

Manipur has been dealing with ethnic conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities since May 2023, resulting in at least 258 deaths and the displacement of over 59,000 people. President’s Rule was imposed in the state on February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation.