The political situation in Manipur has become tense again after major Kuki-Zo organisations openly opposed tribal MLAs who joined the newly formed state government. The move has triggered strong protests, especially in the hill district of Churachandpur.
After President’s Rule was lifted, the BJP-led Manipur government was sworn in earlier this week. Kuki-Zo MLA Nemcha Kipgen took oath as Deputy Chief Minister, while two other MLAs from the community also supported the government’s formation. This decision angered influential Kuki-Zo civil society groups, who say the MLAs acted against the community’s collective stand.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), an apex tribal body, announced a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who joined or supported the government. The council accused them of “betraying” the community at a time when the ethnic conflict in Manipur remains unresolved. According to the KZC, the MLAs violated a resolution passed in January, which stated that Kuki-Zo legislators should not join the state government unless there was a clear political commitment from the Centre toward a long-term solution for the community.
The council appealed to the public not to associate with the MLAs socially or politically until they align themselves with the community’s demands. Several other tribal groups supported the call and announced shutdowns and protest marches in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas.
On Thursday, the Manipur Legislative Assembly met for the first time in more than a year. None of the Kuki-Zo MLAs were physically present in the House due to security concerns. The state government, however, passed the floor test through a voice vote, confirming it has the required majority.
Meanwhile, protests in Churachandpur turned violent. Demonstrators blocked roads, burned tyres, and clashed with security forces. Police used crowd-control measures to bring the situation under control. No official confirmation of casualties has been reported, but tensions remain high in the district.
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