Manipur: Sec 144 imposed, internet temporarily banned after mob violence in Churachandpur district

New Delhi: Mob violence took place in the Churachandpur district of Manipur ahead of CM N Biren Singh’s visit. The mob set fire to an open gym constructed at PT Sports Complex in New Lamka, on April 27 and also vandalised the venue for the public meeting at Sadhbhav Mandap. Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed and the internet has been temporarily banned in the district.

The open gym, which was set on fire, was to be inaugurated by CM N Biren Singh. Manipur CM also addressed the media and ensured that action will be taken against the miscreants.

“We will take action,” says Manipur CM N Biren Singh on the incident where a mob set fire to an open gym constructed at PT Sports Complex in New Lamka, Churachandpur District yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ub7ZxXVrTR

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2023

As per the reports, the violence was carried out by volunteers and supporters of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) and as per the order issued by the Additional Commissioner of the district, ITLF called for a total shutdown of the district from 8 am to 4 pm on April 28 and were likely to mobilize public through internet.

To avoid the escalation of public unrest and unlawful activities, the internet has been temporarily banned in Churachandpur.

ITLF called for the shutdown to protest against the land and forest survey carried out by the state government. They have announced non-cooperation with government programs and issued a statement regarding their agitation.

ITLF said that they submitted several memoranda to the state government regarding their grievances about the survey in the Reserved/Protected forest and wetland and eviction of villagers. The forum added that the government has shown no signs to address the ‘plight of the people’.