Tension flares in Churachandpur again after protest against MLA

Churachandpur: Tension erupted again late on Thursday night in Churachandpur, despite earlier efforts to pacify women protesters outside the residence of MLA LM Khaute. Security forces foiled a second attempt by mobs to vandalise his home, but unrest quickly spread to other parts of the town.At around 9:20pm on Thursday, youths tried to storm the residence of Henlianthang Thanglet Vaiphei, president of the Vaiphei People’s Council (VPC) and chairperson of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC). The attempt triggered a brief scuffle and stone-pelting between rival groups, prompting security personnel to fire tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd.By midnight, mobs regrouped and vandalised parts of the VPC Hall, pelting stones and damaging property. The clashes followed a sit-in protest organised by the Vaiphei Women Association (VWA) against MLA Khaute’s role in the formation of the popular govt, which has deepened divisions among youth groups.Churachandpur superintendent of police Gaurav Dogra (IPS) said the situation is currently under control, with security forces deployed across the town to monitor developments.