Protest Over Police Head Constable's Suspension Claims 2 Lives, Injures Many; ITLF Gives 24-Hour Ultimatum to DC, SP

At least two people have been killed, and over 30 others sustained injuries during a clash between security forces and a mob in Churachandpur district on Thursday late evening.

The two deceased have been identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte, son of Kamkhomang Gangte of Nalon village, and Thanggunlen Haokip, son of Seilal Haokip of S Canaan Veng.

The incident occurred when an irate mob attempted to storm the office of the Superintendent of Police in Churachandpur following the suspension of a police head constable after he was allegedly seen with armed men in a viral video.

Meanwhile, as fresh tensions erupted in Churachandpur, one of the epicentres of the ongoing unrest in Manipur, the state government has imposed Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code and suspended mobile internet service for five days with immediate effect from 1:40 am today as a precautionary measure.

In a statement issued by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) on Friday, it stated that the new SP of Lamka, Shivanand Surve, and the Deputy Commissioner, S. Dharun Kumar should be held entirely responsible for the incident on the night of the 15 February 2024 in the district, where two person were shot dead by security forces and at least 25 others seriously injured after civilians came out in the streets to protest against the unjust treatment of a tribal official.

“As high- ranking officials, the SP and DC are fully aware of the nature of the conflict in Manipur and the sensitivities involved on the ground. But that did not stop them from acting in a manner that would lead to tension and violence. Therefore, Shivanand Surve and S. Dharun Kumar turned out to be key instruments inserted by the communal Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to create problems in the hill district of Lamka."

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) hold an emergency meeting in the morning of the 16th February 2024 at the KKL complex, Lamka. All tribe, philanthropic, student leaders and convenors of ITLF came together for deliberations and the following decisions were taken:

1. The district administration should cancel the suspension of head constable Siamlalpaul immediately.
2. The SP of Ccpur, Shivanand Surve should leave the district within 24 hours. As the firing order on civilian is done by the District Magistrate, the DC of Ccpur, S. Dharun Kumar should also leave the district within 24 hours.
3. If the suspension of the head constable is not cancelled within 24 hours and that, if the SP and DC do not leave the district within 24 hours, all government offices shall be closed. Both the SP and DC will bear the responsibilities for any untoward incidents that may fall on them.
4. The DC and SP should be replaced by Union Territory cadres preferably from the Kuki-Zo community by the central government.
5. ITLF Legal Cell should take up all legal procedures regarding those killed and injured by the security forces.
6. All that were killed by the security forces on the night of 15th February 2024 would be considered as Kuki-Zo martyrs and will be buried after all necessary actions, due procedures and agreements with the government are completed.
7. Inquiry should be initiated on all security force personnels, who were involved in the firing of civilians and should be punished as per the law.
8. Our MLAs should be involved in the situation and take up all the issues to the government.
9. Philanthropic organisation will look after all the injured.
10. The 15 February 2024 public uprising and killings by the security forces will be called "The Wall of Remembrance Massacre".

The ITLF also announced a total shutdown in the district on Friday to protest the killing of a civilian by security forces.

The Kuki Students Organization Churachandpur also imposed Public Curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM every day until further notice.