Fresh clashes erupted between members of the Zomi and Hmar tribes in Manipur’s Churachandpur district late on Tuesday (March 18), leaving several injured, just hours after a peace agreement was reached between their apex bodies, news agency PTI reported.

According to an official, tensions flared when a group of men attempted to remove a flag belonging to a Zomi militant outfit, triggering violent confrontations.

Mobs armed with batons engaged in stone pelting, prompting security forces to intervene by firing tear gas shells and several rounds into the air to disperse the crowds. The situation quickly escalated as properties were vandalized, and gunshots were fired by unidentified individuals within the mob.

“It is not yet clear who fired the shots,” the official told PTI.

In response, security forces conducted flag marches and maintained a strict vigil across Churachandpur, enforcing a curfew in the entire district to prevent further violence. Residents were urged to remain indoors, and additional forces were deployed to maintain law and order.

Following the renewed violence, the Zomi Students’ Federation declared an emergency shutdown in the district, halting normal activities.

“The emergency shutdown has become necessary in wake of the volatile situation in Churachandpur… all normal activities shall remain suspended,” the federation said in a statement, advising businesses and educational institutions to remain closed.
The district administration also appealed for calm, urging residents to refrain from further violence and cooperate with authorities. Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S described the ongoing conflict as a source of “significant distress and suffering” for both communities, reported PTI.

“No individual or group is allowed to take the law into their hands and any such actions will be taken with strict legal consequences,” he warned, calling on community leaders to engage in dialogue with officials to resolve tensions peacefully.
The clashes originated on Sunday when Hmar Inpui general secretary Richard Hmar was assaulted by some Zomi individuals following a road altercation.

According to PTI sources, Hmar’s vehicle narrowly missed hitting a Zomi two-wheeler rider, leading to an argument that escalated into violence. The attack triggered widespread unrest, prompting curfew imposition in the district.

In response to the assault, the Hmar Village Volunteers (HVV) imposed a total shutdown in Pherzawl and Jiribam districts, both home to diverse ethnic communities. However, efforts to de-escalate tensions led to a settlement on Tuesday, where the attacker’s family agreed to pay Rs 50,000 to Richard Hmar’s kin for a traditional peace feast. Additionally, Rs 2 lakh was initially provided for his medical treatment, with further financial aid promised if necessary. Both sides pledged to prevent future hostilities.

Despite the agreement, Tuesday night’s clashes underscore the fragile peace in Manipur, which has witnessed ethnic violence since May 2023, leaving over 250 dead and thousands displaced.

The situation remains tense under President’s Rule, imposed by the Centre on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

While the Manipur Assembly remains under suspended animation, security forces continue efforts to restore order in the strife-torn state.