Protest turns violent in Manipur’s Churachandpur after police detain two for vandalising Modi cutouts

A mob clashed with security forces in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Sunday (September 14, 2025), protesting the detention of two youths for allegedly vandalising the banners and cutouts put up for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the police said.

On the night of September 11, several banners and cutouts put up at Pearsonmun and Phailien Bazaar were vandalised. Following the incident, several youths were detained. While many were released after questioning, two youths were kept in custody, they said.

Also read: PM Modi Manipur visit highlights

Demanding their immediate release, a mob started a demonstration near the Churachandpur police station. The situation subsequently escalated, and they hurled stones at the security forces.

The situation eased once the police released the two youths. The police had previously claimed that the two were arrested.

“The two individuals were not randomly detained as claimed by the protesters, but were picked up from the site of vandalism for questioning,” an officer of the district police said.

Mr. Modi visited the State for the first time on Saturday (September 13, 2025) after ethnic violence broke out between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in May 2023.

He addressed a public rally in the Kuki stronghold of Churachandpur and Meitei-dominated Imphal, promising to make the State a “symbol of peace”.

He also met people affected by the violence and unveiled a slew of developmental projects.