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Imphal: On a day shadowed by conflict and controversy, a tragic incident unfolded in the heart of India’s northeast, One person was killed and 25 others were injured after protesters clashed with security forces in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Thursday in protest against the suspension of a head constable after a selfie of him went viral, in which he is seen with “armed miscreants” and “village defence volunteers” on the top of a hill.
Following the turmoil, all attention turned to Siyamlalpaul, a head constable of the Churachandpur district police, who was seen in a social media video accompanied by armed men. This act was considered a serious breach of the disciplined conduct expected of members of the police force, leading to his immediate suspension.
As per the police, the protesters had surrounded the office of the Superintendent of Police. They were demanding that the policeman suspended from services should be reinstated. The protesters had also set a bus as well as other structures near the district police chief’s office on fire.
According to Shivanand Surve, Churachandpur Superintendent of Police, a departmental inquiry was ordered against Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur district police, after a clip had gone viral showing him making a video with armed men on February 14.
In recent times, the state has been witnessing gunfights between rival camps – who call themselves “village defense volunteers” even as tensions continue between Kuki-Zo tribes and Meiteis.
Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired tear gas shells at protesters
Sharing a message on X (formerly Twitter), the police said that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters in Churachandpur. Several protesters were reportedly injured in the incident.
“A mob numbering approximately 300-400 attempted to storm the office of SP (Superintendent of Police) CCP (Churachandpur) today, pelting stones, etc. The SF (security forces)including RAF are responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch,” the Manipur Police said in the post on X.
The police further said that the head constable has been asked not to “leave the station without prior permission”. His pay and allowances have also been restricted to subsistence allowance admissible as per the rules, it added further.
Reflecting on the events of the day, it becomes clear that moving forward requires a delicate balance between enforcing the law and understanding the human impulses that drive individuals to take drastic action. The loss of lives and property at the Manipur Police Training College is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in achieving peace and stability in troubled areas. As the investigation continues and the community attempts to heal, the lessons learned from this incident will undoubtedly shape approaches to conflict resolution and law enforcement in Manipur and beyond.
