Authorities in Manipur have banned gatherings and suspended mobile internet services in the state’s Churachandpur district after a mob protesting against a survey of reserved and protected forests and areas late on Thursday set fire to the venue of an event chief minister N Biren Singh was due to attend.
In an order, Churachandpur’s additional district magistrate S Thienlatjoy Gangte said a report citing the “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and grave danger to human lives and properties” prompted them to ban gatherings.
It said the internet services have been suspended due to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF)’s call for a shutdown and the likelihood of mobilisation of the public through social media and networking sites.
The ITLF has called for an eight-hour shutdown on Friday from 8am to 4pm in protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government’s failure in addressing their demands for calling off the survey.
In a statement on Thursday, ITLF said it submitted memorandums on their apprehensions about the survey related to the eviction of people from villages in reserved forests and protected forest wetlands but the government has not shown any concern.
“It also pained our sentiments that the government has demolished churches and has absolutely no consideration and respect for something which is deeply sacred to those of us following the Christian faith.”
{{/usCountry}}“It also pained our sentiments that the government has demolished churches and has absolutely no consideration and respect for something which is deeply sacred to those of us following the Christian faith.”
{{/usCountry}}Visuals showed the mob breaking chairs and damaging property inside a hall before setting fire to sports equipment at the venue Singh was scheduled to inaugurate a gymnasium and sports facility on Friday.
Police superintendent Karthik Malladi said the situation is under control and the chief minister’s event is going ahead as scheduled. “Despite the call for shutdown by one organisation, some people are out on the streets and several businesses have also opened their establishments.”
Malladi added several suspects have been picked up for questioning over their alleged involvement in arson. “Further investigations are underway.”