Protest Erupts in Churachandpur Over Arrest of 2 Youths; Both Released Later at Night

Demanding the release of two youths who were arrested by the Churachandpur police for allegedly destroying and vandalising roadside decorations the night before Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Manipur, a group of youths—mainly boys from a few areas of Churachandpur—staged a protest in front of the Churachandpur police station on Sunday.

The protest was peaceful at the beginning, with the youths and police seen talking in the middle of the road.

Police personnel came out to the street to persuade the agitators, and later, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed near the entrance of the police station to control the protestors.

When RAF personnel tried to disperse the crowd, the protestors retaliated by pelting stones. However, the RAF managed to disperse the group and bring the situation under control.

Later at night, the police released the two youths. As of the time this report was filed, there was no confirmation of any casualties during the protest.

According to messages circulating on social media, the protestors appear to have been influenced by the recent Gen-Z protests in Nepal.

On Friday night, protestors had destroyed and vandalised decorations along the roadside leading to the STC BSF camp in Gangpimual village, where the Prime Minister’s chopper was expected to land. When police attempted to stop the mob, a confrontation broke out, leading to the arrest of two protestors.