Description
A mob vandalized and set fire to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's program venue. Large gatherings have been banned and mobile internet services suspended in Manipur's Churachandpur following violence ahead of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's visit to the district today. On Thursday, a mob vandalized and burned down the venue of an event the prime minister was to attend, allegedly over the BJP government's investigation into reserved and protected forests and areas such as wetlands. The decision to ban large gatherings followed a police report indicating "probability of breach of peace, disturbance of public peace and grave danger to life and property" in the district, wrote S. Thienlaljoy Gangte, commissioner Additional Attachment of Churachandpur District. the government decree published on Thursday.
The order also cited the "full shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum and the likelihood of public mobilization through social media and networking sites" for the suspension of mobile internet services in the district.
Mr. Biren was going to open a gym and a sports facility in the neighborhood.
Footage of the incident showed large crowds breaking chairs and damaging property inside a room Singh is due to go to today. They also set fire to sports equipment and premises where the event will take place.
The Forum of Indigenous Tribal Leaders, which opposed the BJP government's inquiry into reserved and protected forests and wetland-like areas, convened a bandh in the district today from 8 am to 4 pm.
The forum claimed that despite repeatedly submitting memos to the government protesting an ongoing eviction campaign to clear forest areas reserved for farmers and other tribal settlers, "the government has shown no sign of willingness or sincerity in addressing the plight of the population".
The Kuki Student Organization also ruled in favor of the forum, alleging "mother-in-law treatment of the tribals." In a statement, the Kuki Student Organization said it condemned "the abuse of tribal rights, including the demolition of religious centers and the illegal eviction of tribal villages."
Earlier this month, the government demolished three churches in Manipur, calling them "illegal constructions."
A local organization then approached the Manipur High Court. A bench of the acting president of the Supreme Court, MV Muralidaran, said that people were expelled from the churches based on documents, political decisions and in accordance with the guidelines of the Supreme Court to curb illegal construction.
