Imphal, Feb 7: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on February 6 urged people to exercise restraint and maintain calm as protests intensified in Kuki-Zomi dominated areas over the formation of a popular government in the state, cautioning that violence would only deepen the crisis in an already fragile situation.
The appeal came a day after Singh took oath as chief minister and convened a cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to review the prevailing security situation. The state has witnessed heightened tensions following shutdowns and protest rallies in Kuki-majority districts opposing the participation of Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs in the government formation process.
Normal life in Churachandpur district remained disrupted for the second consecutive day as tribal organisations enforced a shutdown. Protesters held demonstrations alleging that the involvement of Kuki-Zo-Hmar legislators in the formation of the government was “forced” and contrary to community interests. Police said rallies and blockades affected movement and commercial activity across several areas.
The situation turned volatile on Thursday evening when clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in parts of Churachandpur. Demonstrations were also reported near the residence of Kuki MLA Nemcha Kipgen in areas under the BJP-led government, adding to security concerns. Similar protest rallies were held in Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, officials said.
Addressing the unrest, Singh said he had held detailed discussions with senior ministers and top officials to assess the security scenario and take appropriate measures to prevent further escalation. Emphasising that violence had no place in a democratic society, he said all grievances must be addressed through constitutional and legal channels.
“Compassion remains our guiding principle, and the prospects of a better life for all must not be jeopardised. I earnestly appeal to everyone to remain calm, act in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and not resort to violence,” the chief minister said.
During the protests, demonstrators reportedly burned effigies of MLAs Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute and N. Sanate, all from Churachandpur district and members of the ruling BJP. The Kuki Zo Council (KZC) asserted that the legislators had violated the January 13 Lungth Resolution, which, according to the council, barred participation in government formation without a written assurance from the Centre and the state on an administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.
Manipur has remained tense since ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023, leading to prolonged political instability and demands from Kuki-Zo groups for a separate administrative unit. Amid this backdrop, Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th chief minister of Manipur, while Congress MLA Dikho Phao also took oath as part of the BJP-led NDA government.
In a related development, BJP MLA L.M. Khaute met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal to stake claim for government formation, with another Kuki-Zo MLA also part of the delegation, according to reports.
