Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the program has been canceled.
Imphal/Guwahati.
Manipur’s Churachandpur has banned large gatherings and suspended mobile internet services following violence ahead of Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s visit to the district today. On Thursday, a mob vandalized and set fire to the venue to be attended by the chief minister, allegedly because of the BJP government’s survey of protected and protected forests and wetlands.
The decision to ban large gatherings came after a police report citing “possibility of breach of peace, disturbance of public order and serious threat to life and property” in the district, Churachandpur District Additional Deputy Commissioner S. Thienlaljoy Gangten. government order published on Thursday.
The order also mentions a “general blackout called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum and the possibility of public mobilization through social media and networking sites” to suspend mobile internet services in the district.
Mr. Biren was scheduled to open a gym and sports facility in the district.
Visuals of the incident showed huge crowds breaking chairs and damaging property inside the hall, which Mr Singh is due to visit today. They also set fire to the sports property and the area where the event will be held.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the program has been canceled.
The Forum of Indigenous Tribal Leaders, which has opposed the BJP government’s survey on protected and conserved forests and wetlands, called a panel in the district from 8 am to 4 pm today.
The forum claimed that despite repeated memoranda to the government protesting the ongoing evictions to clear protected forest areas of farmers and other tribal settlers, “the government has shown no sign of willingness or sincerity to address the plight of the people”.
Kuki’s student body also came out in support of the forum, alleging a “step-motherly attitude towards the tribes”. In a statement, the Kuki students’ organization condemned “violations of tribal rights, including the demolition of religious centers and illegal displacement of tribal villages.”
Earlier this month, the government demolished three churches in Manipur, which it said were “illegal structures”.
The local organization then approached the Manipur High Court. Acting Chief Justice M.V. Muralidaran said people were evicted from churches based on documents, policy orders and Supreme Court directions regarding illegal constructions.
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