Four people were killed in Churachandpur, Manipur , while security forces were evacuating People of Manipur from the area. Meanwhile, the IRS (Indian Revenue Service) Association reported the death of a tax assistant named Letminthang Haokip in Imphal. “No cause or ideology can justify the killing of an innocent public servant on duty,” they said in a tweet.
This shooting in Churachandpur comes on the heels of days of fierce clashes between the state’s majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribe, which began in the same area on Wednesday. While Kukis have been targeted in the state capital Imphal, People of Manipur have been targeted in hill tribe-dominated areas.
The shooting allegedly occurred when tribals attempted to intervene in the evacuation of Meiteis from the area.
Muan Hansingh (24), a researcher and Churachandpur resident, told The Indian Express that the unrest began around 7 p.m. on Friday. “People are not leaving their homes because of the deployment of security personnel.” We learned around 7 p.m. that People of Manipur who were stranded in town would be evacuated by security personnel. Opponents of the evacuation gathered at Tidim Road, the town’s main thoroughfare, to barricade it. We put women in front of the barricade because we assumed they would not be shot at. “However, security opened fire, killing four people,” he claimed.
According to an Assam Rifles official in Imphal, a gathering of “80-200” people took place, and four people were killed in the firing. “Evacuation of people from different parts of the state is constantly going on,” he said, adding that road blockades remain common in various parts of the state.
Four deaths were confirmed by a senior member of the central security forces, while three were estimated by a senior member of the district police force.
Meanwhile, the CRPF’s DIG (operations) wrote in an internal communication to his force: “Regarding ensuring the safety of CRPF personnel on leave, during the current Law and Order situation in Manipur, Competent Authority has requested all the units offices/establishments to promptly contact their personnel hailing from Manipur , who are currently on leave.” If they feel unsafe or insecure, they should report to the nearest CRPF, BSF, or SF location, along with their family members. Please ensure that such personnel receive all possible assistance as soon as possible.”
This comes a day after a CRPF constable named Chonkholen Haokip, who was on leave, was shot dead while attempting to stop men from setting fire to a village.
