CHURACHANDPUR, March 17: Tensions in Manipur’s Churachandpur district escalated after the assault of Hmar tribal leader Richard Hmar, prompting authorities to enforce prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS 2023.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when Hmar, General Secretary of Hmar Inpui, Richard Laltanpuia was attacked by unidentified miscreants inside the VK Montessori complex in Zenhang Lamka.
Strongly condemning the incident, Hmar Inpui in a statement mentioned perpetrators must be given in on or before 10 am on Monday, failing which it will take “its own course of action.” The Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) has called for a complete shutdown of the district, condemning the assault as a cowardly act.
In response to the growing tension, the Additional District Magistrate, issued a prohibitory order, which bans unauthorized processions, unlawful assemblies of five or more people, and the carrying of weapons such as sticks and stones. The order was aimed at preventing further violence, as groups of protesters, armed with sticks, patrolled the streets, and reports of stone pelting emerged from some areas.
The Additional District Magistrate enforced the order after receiving detailed reports from the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur district. The prohibitory order is designed to restore peace and prevent any further escalation of violence. The district administration and law enforcement are closely monitoring the situation, urging the public to comply with the restrictions to maintain public order.
