Protest Turns Violent in Churachandpur: Three Dead, Dozens Injured

Churachandpur, Manipur - 16 February, 24: A protest in Churachandpur took a tragic turn as three protestors lost their lives, while over 30 others sustained injuries. The demonstration, initially peaceful, escalated into violence following the suspension of a police head constable allegedly involved in firing on innocent civilians alongside armed militants.

The unrest saw unidentified miscreants setting ablaze the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police offices in Churachandpur. Furthermore, the Indian National Flag was torn down from these government buildings, adding to the chaos.

According to Manipur police reports, a mob attempted to storm the Churachandpur SP office on Thursday night. This incident occurred hours after a head constable of the district police was suspended due to his alleged association with armed individuals, as seen in a viral video grab.

Addressing the situation, Manipur Police stated, "A mob numbering approximately 300-400 attempted to storm the office of SP CCP today, pelting stones, etc. The security forces, including RAF, responded appropriately by firing tear gas shells to control the situation. Things are under watch."

Head constable Siamlalpaul was promptly suspended "with immediate effect until further orders" by Churachandpur SP Shivanand Surve after the emergence of the video showing him with "armed men" and "sitting together with village volunteers" on social media.

Furthermore, Siamlalpaul has been instructed not to leave the station without prior permission, and his pay and allowances have been restricted to the subsistence allowance permissible under the rules.