An unruly mob sets Manipur CM N Biren Singh's event venue on fire before his visit

Digital Desk: An enraged mob vandalized and set fire to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's event place, where he was slated to launch a gym and sports facility in the state's Churachandpur district late Friday night. When the situation became violent, the Churachandpur administration reinforced security throughout the district. 

Although the situation is presently normal, tension has gripped the area. Massive crowds were seen smashing chairs and other property at the programme venue where Chief Minister Singh was due to visit on Friday, according to video footage. The mob also vandalized and set fire to the recently built gym's sports equipment.

The district administration has yet to confirm whether or not the Chief Minister's programme was cancelled as a result of the violence.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum allegedly spearheaded the mob violence in protest of the Bhartiya Janata Party-led state government's survey of reserved and protected forest areas, as well as the state's wetlands. The state government has been accused by the forum of demolishing a few churches in the state.

In a statement, the forum declared that it was obligated to carry out a non-cooperation movement against the state administration and began to impede official programme. Furthermore, the forum requested an eight-hour bandh throughout the district on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Students' Organization has joined the forum, accusing the Manipur administration of being a stepmother to the state tribals. The Manipur state administration reportedly razed three churches earlier this month, citing the structures as illegal.