Manipur's Churachandpur erupts in protest over detention of youths in vandalism case

Police in Churachandpur district faced continued unrest on September 14 as hundreds of protesters demanded the immediate release of two individuals detained since September 12 on charges of damaging government property.

 

The two men were arrested for allegedly vandalising road barricades and beautification structures in Phailien and Pearsonmun areas - installations that had been prepared for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur on September 13.

 

District Superintendent of Police Prakhar Pandey personally intervened to address the crowd gathering outside the police station, but protesters remained adamant about securing the release of the detained individuals. Stone-throwing incidents were reported during the confrontation, creating a tense standoff between demonstrators and security forces.

 

The arrests stem from incidents on September 11, when groups targeted infrastructure prepared for the Prime Minister's visit. The attackers destroyed banners and cut-outs along roads, vandalised security barricades, and set fire to the damaged materials before fleeing. Security personnel were also pelted with stones during the attacks.

 

While protesters claim that several others detained in connection with the same incidents have already been released, they questioned why these two individuals remained in custody.

 

The unrest occurred in the Kuki-majority areas of Churachandpur district, where paramilitary forces have intensified patrolling operations to maintain order. During his visit, Modi unveiled development projects worth Rs 8,500 crore, including foundation stones for initiatives totalling Rs 7,300 crore from Churachandpur's Peace Ground and infrastructure projects valued at Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal.

 

The standoff between police and protesters was ongoing at the time of reporting, with authorities maintaining security measures in the district.