Tension prevailed in the Churachandpur district in Manipur after a mob set on fire an open gym constructed at PT Sports Complex in New Lamka on Thursday. Following this, the state government suspended mobile internet services in the district and imposed section 144, thereby banning large gatherings.
The prohibitory orders were imposed by the District Magistrate of Churachandpur based on a report from the Superintendent of Police. The report suggested the likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and grave danger to human lives and public properties in the tribal-dominated district.
However, the order would not apply to agencies of government involved in enforcement of law and order, maintenance of essential services and public attending the inauguration of the open gym and public meeting at Sadbhvana Mandap in the district.
As for the internet ban, the services shall be suspended for the next five days so as to "prevent any disturbance to peace", an order from the Home Ministry read.
The gutted gym was set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. He was also scheduled to attend a public meeting at Sadhbhab Mandap, which too was vandalised, reported ANI.
The mob was led by Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) protesting against the BJP-led state government’s survey of reserved and protected forest areas. They accuse the state government of carrying out an eviction drive to clear reserved forested areas of farmers and other tribal settlers, despite their reservations.
The government has shown no sign of willingness or sincerity in addressing the plight of the people, the forum alleged.
Meanwhile, the ITLF has called for an eight-hour shutdown in the Churachandpur district on Friday from 8 a.m. to protest the state government’s eviction drive from the protected and reserve forests.
