March 17, 2025: Security measures in Churachandpur have been tightened after a conflict erupted between Hmar and Paite groups today in Lamka areas. The Additional District Magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), 2023, as a precautionary measure to avert further escalation.
The clashes erupted after Hmar Inpui General Secretary, Richard Laltanpuia Hmar, was brutally beaten last night around 7:30 PM inside the campus of VK Montessori School, Zenhang Lamka by unidentified miscreants. Both the Hmar Inpui and the ITLF condemned the brutal attack, terming it a “heinous and cowardly assault.” ITLF members have been repeatedly targeted. Later, male youths from both groups were seen on the streets, ready to clash.
The scene of the clash between Hmar and Paite has once again reminded people of the past Kuki–Paite Conflict, also called the Kuki–Zomi Conflict, in Churachandpur during 1997–1998. During the conflict, at least 352 people died, thousands of homes were destroyed, and over 13,000 people were displaced.
The Kuki-Paite conflict erupted after the Kuki insurgent group, KNF, mercilessly killed 10 Paite villagers of Saikul Village on June 24, 1997.
