Manipur Hills Erupt As Kuki-Zo MLAs Join Govt

NEW DELHI, CHURACANDPUR: Thousands of protesters on Friday took out rallies in the hill districts of Manipur against the participation of three Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs in the formation of the new BJP-led government, alleging that the legislators had betrayed the community.

Effigies of Nemcha Kipgen, who was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, and BJP MLAs LM Khaute and N Sanate were burnt during the protests in Churachandpur district. Demonstrations were also held in Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts.

In Churachandpur, a rally was jointly organized by the Kuki Women’s Human Rights Organization and the Women’s Wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum to protest Kipgen’s entry into the government. Protesters marched nearly three kilometers from the Koite Playground to the Wall of Remembrance, chanting slogans demanding Kipgen’s resignation and reiterating their call for separate governance for the community.

The Kuki Zo Council on Thursday alleged that the three MLAs violated the January 13 Lungthu Order, which stipulated that community representatives would participate in the government formation only after receiving written assurance from the Center and the State on the creation of a separate administrative unit in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.

A total 24-hour lockdown in Kuki-dominated areas has been relaxed to allow rallies. “MLAs betrayed people’s expectations by joining the Manipur government and Nemcha Kipgen was appointed Deputy Chief Minister,” said a protester.

Similar protests condemning three BJP MLAs were held at Saikul in Kangpokpi district and Moreh in Tengnoupal district. Following the demonstrations, security was tightened at MPs’ residences in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Pherzawl districts.

Meanwhile, Minister Govindas Konthoujam, who was sworn in on Wednesday, said there were disturbances in Churachandpur but the situation was under control. “They are expressing their anger and discontent. Security arrangements are in place. Many want normalcy to return and things will gradually improve,” he said.

The protests followed new demands from Kuki-Zo leaders for a separate administrative unit. BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister on Wednesday after the Center revoked President’s Rule. Nemcha Kipgen and Naga People’s Front MLA L Dikho were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.

N. Sanate and LM Khaute were part of the BJP-led NDA delegation that met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal to stake claim to form the government. Seven out of 10 Kuki-Zo MPs in the assembly are members of the BJP.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, which led to the implementation of President’s Rule in February last year.