Manipur’s Churachandpur district witnessed violent clashes and protests after the general secretary of the Hmar Inpui, Richard Hmar, was brutally assaulted by unknown individuals. In response to the escalating tensions, authorities have imposed a curfew and deployed security forces to restore order.

Assault triggers unrest

The incident reportedly began with a minor altercation between Richard Hmar and a two-wheeler rider. However, the situation worsened when a group of men intercepted him on his way home, blindfolded him, and subjected him to relentless assault despite his repeated assertions of identity.

According to a statement by the Hmar Inpui, the assault took place inside the campus of VK Montessori School in Zenhang Lamka. The leader suffered severe injuries and excessive bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.

Protests and curfew enforcement

Following the attack, the Hmar Inpui issued a demand for the perpetrators to present themselves at their office by 10 AM on Monday. When this deadline passed, protests erupted in Churachandpur, with hundreds of Hmar community members taking to the streets, shouting slogans and throwing stones.

To prevent further violence, authorities enforced a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Security forces were called in to control the clashes, which reportedly involved confrontations between Hmar, Kuki, and Zomi tribal groups.

Videos from the protests depict demonstrators removing and discarding a Zomi flag from a mobile tower while others cheered in support.

Calls for peace

The Thadou Students’ Association General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) expressed deep concern over the growing unrest among the region’s non-Naga tribal groups, particularly between the Kuki/Kuki-Zo, Hmar, and Zomi communities.

“We urge all concerned groups… to prioritise negotiations over hostility… We also call upon the government and civil society organisations to facilitate peace-building efforts in the spirit of justice, fairness, and mutual respect,” the TSA-GHQ said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Churachandpur District Commissioner Dharun Kumar S appealed for calm, emphasizing the district’s long-standing values of unity and diversity.

“Violence and unrest will not lead to a solution, and it is in all our best interests to find common ground through peaceful discussions and dialogues,” Kumar said, urging residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could further inflame tensions.

As the situation remains tense, authorities continue to monitor developments, hoping for a resolution through dialogue and mutual understanding.

An indigenously developed gene therapy for specific blood cancers has demonstrated a 73% response rate in clinical trials, offering new hope for patients in India. The findings, published in The Lancet Haematology, highlight the success of CAR T-cell therapy, which modifies a patient’s immune cells to combat cancer.

A breakthrough in cancer treatment

The therapy was developed through a collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) and Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. It has been designed to treat patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma, which often have poor outcomes due to limited treatment options.

Speaking on the impact of this therapy, Rahul Purwar, lead author and IIT-B professor, stated,

“The clinical trials of India’s first gene therapy for cancer offer hopes of another chance to live among these patients, that there is one more drug that doctors can try.”

Affordable alternative to global therapies

Unlike CAR T-cell therapies in developed nations, which cost between $373,000 to $475,000, the India-made injection ‘talicabtagene autoleucel’ is available for $30,000—making it significantly more affordable.

Developed over 11 years, the therapy was tested in two trial phases:

• Phase 1: Included 14 patients (18+ years) with B-cell lymphoma.
• Phase 2: Expanded to 50 patients (15+ years) with B-cell leukemia or lymphoma.

Among the 51 patients analyzed, the overall response rate was 73%, with two treatment-related deaths. Common side effects included neutropenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and anemia.

Future scope and clinical advancements

Dr. Hasmukh Jain, a medical oncology professor at Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasized the long-term benefits of CAR T-cells in preventing cancer relapse. He noted that new trials are underway to test the therapy in earlier settings and in combination with other immunotherapies at Tata Memorial Centre.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that while the state government will protect Aurangzeb’s grave in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, it will not permit any glorification of the Mughal ruler. His remarks came in response to demands from fringe outfits calling for the removal of the protected site.

Fadnavis takes a firm stance

Speaking in the state legislative assembly, Mr. Fadnavis stated, “We will protect Aurangzeb’s grave but not allow his or the site’s glorification. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple will be glorified, not Aurangzeb’s grave.”

Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his prolonged conflicts with the Marathas. His forces captured and executed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji. The CM acknowledged the historical sensitivities surrounding the issue, adding that although the site is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state would not allow any attempts to celebrate Aurangzeb.

“It is unfortunate that we have to protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, but since it was declared a protected site by ASI 50 years ago, it is our responsibility. However, glorification of Aurangzeb will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Mr. Fadnavis reiterated.

Protests and calls for removal

The debate over the grave’s existence has escalated, with organizations like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad pressing for its removal. They have warned of large-scale protests and karseva if the government does not act. BJP’s Satara MP, Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, has also voiced support for the demand.

Previously, Mr. Fadnavis had acknowledged the demand but stated that any legal action must be taken within constitutional limits, as the site was granted protected status during a previous Congress-led government.

Controversy over Abu Azmi’s remarks

The controversy was further fueled last month when Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi praised Aurangzeb, calling him a “good administrator” and stating that India was known as “Sone ki Chidiya” during his reign. His remarks led to his suspension from the legislative assembly until the end of the budget session. Facing backlash, Mr. Azmi later claimed his comments were misinterpreted but maintained that his statements were based on historical records.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanded a sedition case against Mr. Azmi, calling his comments “a great sin”. He further accused Mr. Azmi of deliberately disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.

Opposition and political reactions

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized Abu Azmi’s remarks and slammed Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav for supporting him. In response, Mr. Yadav questioned the rationale behind Mr. Azmi’s suspension, arguing that ideological biases were influencing democratic decisions.

State Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the BJP-led government of diverting attention from pressing issues such as unemployment and farmers’ distress. He argued that removing Aurangzeb’s tomb would not address these concerns.

On Sunday, Mr. Sapkal compared CM Fadnavis to Aurangzeb, stating that both used religion to further their rule. The BJP dismissed his remarks as “childish”.

As the debate continues, the Maharashtra government remains firm on protecting the tomb while preventing any form of glorification.