2 Killed During Protest Against Suspension of Cop Over Video with Armed Men in Manipur

Imphal: At least two persons died and 25 others were injured in a clash between protestors and security forces in Manipur’s Kuki-Zo tribes-dominated Churachandpur district on Friday.

This incident occurred when hundreds of people came out to protest against the suspension of a head constable after a video of him with “armed men” went viral.

According to police sources, the protesters surrounded the office of the Superintendent of Police, demanding the reinstatement of the head constable, Siamlalpaul. This police constable allegedly took a selfie in a bunker of “armed miscreants” and “village defence volunteers” atop a hill.

The protesters burnt down a bus and other structures outside the district police chief’s office. To disperse the violent mob, the security forces opened fire. As a precautionary measure, mobile internet service was suspended in the district.

“A departmental inquiry is being contemplated against Siamlalpaul of Churachandpur district police, as a clip has gone viral on social media showing him making a video with armed men on February 14,” the suspension order by the Churachandpur Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve said.

Churachandpur, a district dominated by the Kuki-Zo tribes, was one of the areas most affected by the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023.