Thu Mar 20 05:56:18 UTC 2025: ## Manipur: Fresh Clashes Leave One Dead, Heighten Tensions in Churachandpur

**IMPHAL, March 20, 2025** – Tensions remain high in Manipur’s Churachandpur district following fresh clashes between the Hmar and Zomi communities, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The violence erupted two days prior, prompting the continuation of a curfew and the closure of schools and shops.

The deceased, identified as 51-year-old Lalropui Pakhuangte of the Hmar community, succumbed to bullet wounds sustained during clashes on Tuesday night. The conflict reportedly stemmed from an attack on Richard Hmar, general secretary of the Hmar Inpui, by Zomi individuals on Sunday.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation, security personnel conducted flag marches, while church leaders and civil society groups are working towards peace. Several displaced Kuki community members from relief camps have also been relocated to safer areas.

Despite a shutdown imposed by a student body on Wednesday, a joint appeal for peace was issued by twelve Kuki-Zomi and Hmar organizations. They pledged to form a joint peace committee to prevent future misunderstandings. This appeal was echoed by six MLAs from Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts.

These recent clashes add to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. The state is currently under President’s rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in February. The situation remains precarious, with buffer zones established in areas where Kuki-Zo and Meitei populations overlap to try and prevent further violence.

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