Villagers and law enforcement officials clashed during an eviction drive in Churachandpur
On February 20, a major clash occurred between law enforcement officials and villagers of K Songjang village in Churachandpur. The authorities had arrived to carry out an eviction campaign, which the villagers strongly opposed. Despite the villagers’ objections, the eviction drive went ahead, resulting in the destruction of 12 buildings, including the village church. Some of the protesting villagers were reportedly injured during the altercation with the police. One of the villagers, Paominlun, questioned the legality of settling along the highway and criticized how the eviction drive was carried out without prior warning or consultation with the villagers. The villagers refused to leave the demolished homes and were subsequently offered rehabilitation facilities by KSO Leimata and KKL Leimata. Civil society organizations, including KSO Leimata, KSO Churachandpur, and Kuki KhanglaiLawmpi (KKL), arrived to evaluate the situation. At the same time, local MLA LetzamangHaokip rushed to Imphal to discuss the issue with the chief minister.
