Manipur Violence may restart after the Kuki-Chin mob attacked the SP office last Thursday! Manipur is once again in the eye of the storm. A Kuki-Chin-Zo mob of around 400 launched its violent assault on the SP office in Churachandpur. The mob wanted to set fire to the SP office. Under the onslaught of pelted stones, the RAF and security forces brought the situation under control. Let’s talk about the simmering tensions in the region which could escalate to Manipur Violence 2.0!
Manipur Violence Prelude: Catalysts and Consequences
The Kuki-Chin mob attack seems a prelude to Manipur Violence 2.0!! The catalyst for the Kuki mob’s fury was the suspension of a Kuki head constable, Siyamlal Paul. COnstable Paul was stationed at Churachandpur. Stationed at Churachandpur, Paul was subjected to suspension as a disciplinary action. Why? A viral video shows him in the company of armed Kuki terrorists. Reports claim that Paul engaged in unlawful activities with his Kuki terrorist friends!!! Consequently, Churachandpur SP Shivanand Surve swiftly suspended Paul pending further investigation.
🚨Total chaos
At Churchanpur
Soon after a notice
Kuki Head Constable Siamlal Paul of Manipur Police, who was in charge of the armoury has been suspended. He was part of a group of Kuki terr0rists attacking native villages on the 14th of February. He was also in charge of the… pic.twitter.com/DL3eTYCRwC— MeiteiEliteForum (@MeiteiElite) February 15, 2024
The listed cause for suspension is a grave breach of conduct within the disciplined police force.
Some suspect that the constable had a role to play in the loot of police armoury in Imphal!!!
Two days after a police armoury was looted in Imphal East, mob attacks the office of SP, Churachandpur. The officer Shivanand Surve had earlier in the day suspended a Head Constable whose video with “armed miscreants and village volunteers” was viral on social media. #manipur https://t.co/JUBopUpjni
— Vijaita Singh (@vijaita) February 15, 2024
The suspension of a Kuki constable angered his Kuki terrorist friends!!! Thus, they attacked the SP office and threatened the life and limb of SP Surve himself. Some reports claim that Kuki supporters are ready to offer rewards to anyone who successfully attacks SP Surve!!! The police response and the violent riot has taken the life of 1 and injured 25 others!!!
SP Shivanand Surve Faces Kuki Violence
SP Shivanand Surve is a dedicated officer committed to upholding integrity and enforcing the rule of law in Manipur. Despite facing threats and unwarranted criticism, SP Surve is determined to ensure adherence to constitutional principles. His decisive steps to suspend a suspected constable engaging in unlawful activities should not lead to him facing-off with Kuki terrorist violence.
Bob Hauzel offers cash reward for killing SP in #Manipur, escalating #KukiAtrocities. Urgent action is crucial to stop this crime of openly incentivizing violence against those trying to restore calm in Ccpur @HMOIndia @ndtv @IndiaToday @NBirenSingh @manipur_police pic.twitter.com/DNWLmgDYLn
— Heloi (@Heloiatombi25) February 16, 2024
Certain individuals, leaders, and CSOs from the Kuki Chin Zo community have unleashed their fury on this honest SP!
They have encouraged Kuki-Chin mobs to assault government premises, including the SP office.
Moreover, their wrath did not spare the Indian National Flag as well! These anti-social elements desecrated the honor of the Indian flag to quench their thirst for re-emergence of Manipur Violence and Kuki Vengeance! The social media is divided into two groups on this incident! Those who resorted to arson claim that the SP is responsible for the life lost in the riot! Why? The suspension of constable Paul does not mean dissmissal! These rioters took the law into their hands and then are blaming the security forces for the resultant injuries???
Is This A Prelude To Manipur Violence 2.0?
These events showcase the lingering presence of violence-loving-kuki-terrorists who would love to escalate any situation to burn Manipur again! Currently, it is imperative for the government to thoroughly investigate this incident and hold all the culprits accountable. An officer should not have to face threats for doing his job! Street Veto Power should threaten the life of a serving security personnel!!
Although this riot against an SP seems small, it can be the tinder that restarts Manipur Violence 2.0. In 2023, there were several big and small violent clashes between the Kuki-Chin-Zo and Meitei communities. Thus, this sporadic outbreak of violence in Churachandpur is a wake-up call for all! The deep-seated tensions and unresolved issues within Manipur pose a significant challenge for the BJP government to tackle. While the aim is to foster peace and stability in the region, it should not come at the cost of the lives or safety of security personnel. All stakeholders need to work together to bring harmony to Manipur. Let’s hope this incident is not a prelude to Manipur Violence 2.0 under the specter of rising tensions in the small yet vital Indian State of Manipur!