Clashes erupted in Manipur’s Churachandpur district as protests against Kuki-Zo MLAs joining the BJP-led government turned violent, leaving several injured and the area on edge.
Security personnel face protesters during clashes in Churachandpur district of Manipur on Thursday evening, as demonstrations against Kuki-Zo MLAs joining the state government turned violent. | X
Fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Thursday evening as protests against Kuki-Zo MLAs joining the BJP-led state government escalated into clashes with security forces, leaving at least five people injured and the situation highly tense.
The unrest erupted around 6 pm at Tuibong Main Market and Tuibong Bazaar areas, where hundreds of protesters, mostly youths, gathered to oppose the swearing-in of BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister and the anticipated induction of LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate into the government. Demonstrators attempted to push security personnel back to their barracks, torched discarded materials and tyres, and raised slogans against the new political developments.
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Security forces intervened to disperse the crowd, but the situation quickly spiralled. Protesters resorted to heavy stone-pelting, forcing central and state forces to respond with baton charges and tear gas shells. At least five protesters sustained minor injuries, police officials said, while additional forces were rushed to the trouble-hit areas to prevent further escalation.
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Tensions in Churachandpur had been building since Wednesday evening after Nemcha Kipgen, who hails from Kangpokpi district, virtually took oath as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. Protesters said anger had intensified after reports that three Kuki-Zo MLAs were taking part in the formation of the Manipur government.
According to sources, resentment within sections of the Kuki-Zo community stems from the prolonged ethnic violence in the state. Community members allege that Kuki-Zo people have suffered heavily, with hundreds killed in earlier incidents and widespread destruction of property and churches.
Officials from the Assam Rifles, including the Commander of the 27 Sector, were deployed to defuse the situation, though initial attempts to calm protesters were unsuccessful. Security forces briefly pulled back while maintaining positions, even as protesters continued to press forward. Tear gas shells were later fired to disperse the crowd, and clashes were continuing at the time of the latest reports.
Senior security officials have rushed to Churachandpur to oversee efforts to restore normalcy. Authorities said the situation remains tense, with security forces still deployed across sensitive areas.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Thursday announced a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in the formation of the Manipur government.
Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in the state, three – Nemcha Kipgen, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate – have so far been involved in the government formation process. Seven of the ten belong to the BJP, while the remaining three are affiliated with local Kuki-Zo organisations.
Several Kuki-Zo organisations have also called for a shutdown in Churachandpur district on Friday and announced plans to hold demonstrations in Kuki-Zo tribal-inhabited areas of other districts.
More details are awaited.
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