Manipur CM appeals for calm amid protests in Kuki-majority districts

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Friday urged communities to remain calm and avoid violence, as protests erupted in Kuki-majority areas over the participation of Kuki MLAs in the formation of the new government.

Singh, who was sworn in as Chief Minister on Wednesday following the revocation of President’s Rule , made the appeal after chairing a cabinet meeting at the CM Secretariat to review the prevailing situation and plan measures to contain unrest.

Normal life in Churachandpur district was disrupted after two tribal bodies imposed a “total shutdown” , while protesters in three hill districts staged rallies against three Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs, Nemcha Kipgen, L M Khaute, and N Sanate , for joining the BJP-led government, accusing them of betraying the community. On Thursday evening, a mob clashed with security forces in Churachandpur amid demonstrations over Kipgen being appointed Deputy Chief Minister . Effigies of the three legislators were also burnt, with additional protest rallies held in Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal.

The unrest stems from the January 13 Lungthu Resolution , passed by the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) . The resolution stated that Kuki community members would participate in forming the state government only if the central and state governments provided a written assurance for a separate administrative unit with its own legislature. Many community members feel the three MLAs violated this agreement by joining the BJP-led government without securing the promised guarantee.

In a social media post, Singh said, “Compassion remains our guiding principle, and the prospects for a better life for all are not jeopardised. I earnestly appeal to everyone to remain calm, act in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and not resort to violence.”

Manipur had previously witnessed ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023, which led to President’s Rule last February. Following its revocation, Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister, with Kipgen and Naga People’s Front legislator L Dikho taking office as Deputy Chief Ministers. Hmar MLA N Sanate and Kuki-Zo MLA L M Khaute were also part of the BJP-NDA team that staked a claim to form the state government.