Northeast Desk, 16th February: Three protestors lost their lives, and over 30 others sustained injuries during a demonstration in Churachandpur. The protest, initially sparked by the suspension of a police head constable allegedly involved in firing on innocent civilians in collusion with armed militants, escalated into violence.
The unrest witnessed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police offices in Churachandpur set ablaze by unidentified miscreants. Additionally, the Indian National Flag was torn down from these government buildings.
According to reports from the Manipur police, a mob attempted to storm the Churachandpur SP office in Manipur on Thursday night, hours after a head constable of the district police was suspended following the circulation of a video allegedly showing him with armed men.
In response, Manipur Police stated, “A mob numbering approximately 300-400 attempted to storm the office of SP CCP today, pelting stones, etc. The SF (security forces) including RAF is responding appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch.”
Head constable Siamlalpaul was immediately suspended by Churachandpur SP Shivanand Surve after the video surfaced, depicting him with “armed men” and “sitting together with village volunteers.”
Additionally, Siamlalpaul has been instructed not to leave the station without prior permission, and his pay and allowances have been restricted to the subsistence allowance permissible under the rules.
Read More: Manipur: Internet suspended for five days till February 21 as fresh violence erupts in Churachandpur