Manipur: The fragile peace in Manipur’s Churachandpur district has once again been disrupted by a heated dispute between the Zomi and Hmar tribes, this time over the hoisting of community flags in a highly contested area. The conflict, which began with a symbolic gesture, quickly escalated into violence, prompting the local administration to impose a curfew in parts of the district to quell rising tensions.
The tension erupted when flags were raised between V Munhoih and Rengkai villages, sparking immediate calls for intervention from local authorities. In response to the volatile situation, Churachandpur district magistrate Dharun Kumar implemented a curfew not only in these two villages but also across the Kangvai, Samulamlan, and Sangaikot sub-divisions. This drastic measure reflects the seriousness of the situation and the urgency to restore peace.
At the heart of the conflict is a nuanced issue—community flags raised in a disputed area between two villages inhabited by different tribes. While the curfew remains in effect in specific regions, it will be relaxed from 6 am to 5 pm until April 17 to allow residents access to essential services. The degree of future relaxation will depend on a thorough assessment of the prevailing law and order situation.
In an effort to diffuse the situation, village authorities from both Rengkai and V Munhoih met under the supervision of local officials. This meeting served as a platform for urging calm and discouraging the spread of rumors via social media. Crucially, it was emphasized that the land dispute was viewed as a settlement issue rather than a communal one, with village authorities committed to resolving it through dialogue.
The current unrest is not an isolated incident; previous clashes on March 18 resulted in one death and several injuries following the removal of a Zomi flag from a mobile tower. This history underscores the deep-seated tensions in the region and highlights the challenge of maintaining peace in a volatile environment.
