IMPHAL: Violent confrontations broke out between the Hmar and Zomi communities on Tuesday night in Churachandpur, escalating tensions after one person was killed.
The new round of violence came amid reports that a potential peace accord between the Zomi Council and Hmar Inpui appeared to have failed to thaw decades-old tensions.
The violence witnessed cases of stone pelting, vandalism, and disruptions as protesters imposed a shutdown in the area.
The violence led to authorities stepping in quickly, with the District Magistrate issuing a second public notice, calling on both communities to be restrained and uphold peace.
Security personnel have been stationed to stop any further escalation, and the government is keeping the situation under strict surveillance.
While attempts are made to resume normalcy, there is a charged atmosphere. The reasons for the fresh violence are still under scrutiny, and more information is anticipated as the inquiry progresses.
Meanwhile, ension was still prevailing in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts of Manipur for the third day on Tuesday after a 20-year-old Meitei youth, who went missing on Sunday afternoon, remained untraced.
A senior police official said that Manipur police personnel, along with Assam Rifles and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel, have been conducting search operations jointly and separately in Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi districts.
The security personnel also deployed tracker dogs to locate the missing youth, the official said.
According to the police, Mukesh, a resident of Keishampat Lelmajam Leikal areas of Imphal West district, was reported missing after driving towards the tribal-dominated district Churachandpur on Sunday afternoon. Mukesh's family members registered a missing person report on Sunday at the Imphal Police Station.
"On receipt of the report, an inquiry was initiated immediately. All-out efforts are ongoing to trace Mukesh by the police personnel and other security forces. Massive search operations are on in all suspected areas," the official said adding that the civil society organisations are also trying to gather inputs about the whereabouts of the missing youth.
He said that CCTV footage shows his vehicle was last seen in Bishnupur district near Chinikon, close to the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district.
According to police, his mobile location is also traced near the Kuki-Zo tribal inhabited Jouzangtek area in the mountainous Kangpokpi district but the exact place is yet to be determined.
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