Churachandpur

Authorities imposed a total shutdown in parts of Manipur’s Churachandpur district after prolonged clashes erupted between security forces and protesters in the Tuibong area, officials said on Friday.

The violence continued for nearly nine hours, beginning around 6 pm on Thursday and lasting until approximately 3 am, following protests against the swearing-in of Manipur’s new Deputy Chief Ministers, Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho.

According to officials, unrest began in the Tuibong Main Market area when hundreds of young protesters attempted to push security personnel back to their camps. The situation escalated near the Tuibong Forest Gate, where the mob allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, forcing security forces to initially withdraw from their positions.

Security personnel later regrouped and fired teargas shells to disperse the protesters. Although the crowd scattered temporarily, they regrouped repeatedly and launched fresh attacks, prolonging the confrontation through the night.

Intermittent teargas shelling continued as the situation remained volatile. Around 11 pm, security forces also carried out a lathi charge to push back the protesters. Despite these measures, the mob regrouped once again and resumed aggression.

Officials said the unrest was fuelled by anger and resentment among youths over the belief that three Kuki-Zomi MLAs were set to join the Manipur government. While Nemcha Kipgen has already been sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur are reportedly expected to take oath.

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Senior officials of the Assam Rifles, including the Commander of the 27 Sector, were deployed to defuse tensions. While initial efforts failed to restore calm, security forces later repositioned themselves and continue to monitor the situation closely.