Clashes broke out in Churachandpur district on Thursday evening, barely two days before the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur, throwing the administration into a state of heightened alert. The incident occurred near Peasonmun village, situated about five kilometres from the Churachandpur police station, when a group of unidentified persons allegedly attempted to damage decorations and arrangements being put up for the Prime Minister’s public engagement.
Police personnel who rushed to the spot were confronted by the miscreants, following which a scuffle ensued. Reports indicate that several properties suffered damage during the course of the incident. While unconfirmed accounts suggest that some individuals may have been injured, the authorities have not released any official statement regarding casualties or the extent of the losses.
In view of the developments, the State Government has ordered the deployment of additional security forces in and around Churachandpur town. The district administration has also declared the area a “no drone zone” to prevent unauthorised aerial surveillance and has prohibited the use and carrying of air guns under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Manipur on September 13, where he will address a public rally in Churachandpur and participate in programmes at Kangla Fort in Imphal. He is also scheduled to lay the foundation stones for developmental projects amounting to approximately ₹8,500 crore.
Churachandpur, a district with a predominantly Kuki tribal population, has remained a sensitive flashpoint since the outbreak of ethnic clashes on May 3, 2023, which have claimed more than 250 lives and displaced tens of thousands. Against this backdrop, the forthcoming visit is being seen as a significant political event, though civil society organisations have continued to express dissatisfaction over the pace of relief and reconciliation efforts.
The identity of the miscreants involved in Thursday’s disturbances has not yet been ascertained. Senior police officials have maintained that it is too early to make conclusive statements, though investigations are said to be underway.
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Prasanta Rajguru, Editor-in-Chief of Prag News, delivered the keynote, highlighting five iconic songs of the maestro and their historical relevance. Actor Kamal Singh presented a special tribute performance, while dignitaries including Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah graced the occasion.
The celebration...
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