Protesters clash with forces, hurling stones & slingshots, as they demand release of 2 youths arrested for vandalising PM Modi’s banners.
BY PC Bureau
September 14 — Violence erupted in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Sunday as suspected Zomi youth allegedly set ablaze the residence of Calvin Hathlang, a senior leader of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), one of the groups that recently signed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) ceasefire agreement with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The mob also attempted to attack the home of V. Ginza, spokesperson of the Kuki-Zo Council and a prominent figure in the movement. “I received inputs that my house might be attacked, so I gathered some of the Kuki-Zo boys for protection. We saw an SUV stop, take a good look at the assembly, and leave. They returned at night, but I was able to summon police in time,” Ginza told reporters.
(Calvin Hathlandg house in flames in Churachandpur)
READ: Across Parties and Communities, PM’s Manipur Visit Leaves Disquiet
The unrest was triggered by the arrest of two youths accused of vandalising banners and cut-outs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 11, ahead of his visit to the district. Protesters demanding their release clashed with security forces, pelting stones and using slingshots against police, CRPF, and army vehicles. Witnesses said demonstrators carried a red flag — typically used to signal hazardous materials such as fuel or explosives — further intensifying the alarm.
By evening, following day-long clashes, the two arrested youths were released. District authorities said the situation was tense but under control after reinforcements were deployed.
#ManipurViolence , Kukis attacking security forces at Churachandpur !!!
This is happening in less then 24 hours after the Honourable PM @narendramodi appeal for Peace and let Manipur thrive
Why ?
Keeping Manipur on the boil so that the ‘ unrest, the violence leads to… pic.twitter.com/F2I1lOUIQQ
— TheBlueHills (@TheBlueHills49) September 14, 2025
The Zomi Council, which has long opposed the SoO peace deal, reiterated its objections to the inclusion of the contentious “Manipur Territorial Integrity” clause in the agreement’s preamble. It also criticised Kuki-Zo groups for extending a warm welcome to the Prime Minister during his Churachandpur visit. Kuki-Zo leaders dismissed these objections, accusing the Zomi Council of “playing spoiler” in efforts to unite the tribal society despite representing only a small minority.
Adding to the tensions, the state government reportedly blocked attempts to display empty coffins at a memorial site to highlight lives lost during the two-year-long ethnic conflict. On Sunday afternoon, members of the Joint Students Body (JSB), an umbrella organisation of Kuki-Zo student groups, placed several refurbished coffins at the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibunong. The coffins had been intended for display during the Prime Minister’s visit as a symbolic protest.
Observers warn that while the Zomi Council commands only limited support, its actions — including Sunday’s violence — could have serious repercussions for fragile tribal unity in the region.
Despite heavy security deployment, tensions remain high in Churachandpur, underscoring the deep rift between Zomi groups and Kuki-Zo leadership in the wake of the SoO agreement and the Prime Minister’s high-profile visit.
