The Deputy Commissioner of Manipur's Churachandpur district has refused to comply with an ultimatum given by a key Kuki outfit, despite being told to leave the district within 24 hours. The ultimatum was issued following violence that erupted after a Kuki head constable was suspended for his involvement in a video alongside armed men from the community. The suspension led to a mob storming the offices of the Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Commissioner, resulting in the deaths of two individuals - Letlalkhuol Gangte, 29, and a 15-year-old youth.

In response to the incident, The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum, an influential Kuki-Zo organisation, called for a shutdown and held the Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve and Deputy Commissioner S Dharun Kumar responsible for the deaths. The forum demanded that the suspension of the head constable be withdrawn within 24 hours and that the two officers be replaced by Union Territory cadre officers, preferably from the Kuki-Zo community.

Both officers, who are All India Service officers, emphasized their duty to protect the public despite the threats. The suspension of the head constable was deemed grave misconduct by the Superintendent of Police, resulting in further tension and violence in the district. State property was set ablaze by the mob, causing damage to the Deputy Commissioner's official residence, office, and multiple vehicles. Security forces intervened, resulting in injuries to several individuals during the clashes.

The situation remains tense in Churachandpur district as authorities work to address the grievances raised by the community leaders and maintain peace in the region.