A day after the Yumnam Khemchand Singh–led BJP government assumed office following the lifting of President’s Rule in Manipur, political tensions escalated sharply in the state’s hill districts. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Thursday announced a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in the formation of the new government.
Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, three — Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate — were involved in the government formation process. Seven of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs belong to the BJP, while the remaining three are affiliated with local Kuki-Zo political groups.
Nemcha Kipgen, MLA from Kangpokpi, took oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi as Deputy Chief Minister. She is the lone woman minister in the newly formed Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Khemchand Singh.
The development triggered widespread protests in Churachandpur district, a Kuki-Zo–dominated area, where normal life was severely disrupted following calls for a “total shutdown” by multiple tribal organisations.
On Friday morning, bandh supporters armed with sticks blocked roads and stopped vehicles at several locations in the district headquarters town. Markets remained shut, vehicles stayed off the roads, and attendance in educational institutions and government offices was thin.
The Churachandpur unit of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) enforced a 24-hour shutdown beginning midnight on February 6, while the Joint Forum of Seven (JF7) imposed a shutdown in Kuki-Zo areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The impact of the bandh was most pronounced in the Tuibong area of the district headquarters.
On Thursday evening, clashes broke out near the Tuibong forest gate when protesters allegedly pelted stones at security personnel, prompting baton charges and the firing of tear gas shells. The confrontation continued until around 3 a.m. on Friday, leaving at least two demonstrators injured, officials said.
Despite the unrest, voices from the ground indicate that the core political demand of the community remains unchanged.
Ginza, spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, told EastMojo that the participation of three MLAs would not dilute the larger movement. “Just because three MLAs chose to join what is perceived as a Meitei-led government does not alter our demand for Separate Administration. It is a setback, yes, but we will regain momentum,” he said, adding that many felt betrayed after lives and properties had already been lost. “Choosing political careers over the pain and sacrifices of the people is deeply hurtful.”
Journalist Ninglun Hanghal echoed the sentiment, saying the developments were still being processed by the public. “The demand for Separate Administration has overwhelming support among the Kuki-Zo people. What has happened with this government formation hasn’t fully sunk in yet. But the crisis is far from over,” she said, expressing concern over potential flashpoints when plans for resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) begin. She added that the inclusion of Kuki-Zomi-Hmar and Naga representatives in the cabinet appeared to be part of the BJP’s attempt to project inclusivity.
An academic based in Lamka, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the sense of betrayal, while painful, was not unfamiliar. “Betrayal by our own leaders is not new in our history. People are hurt, but not entirely shocked. That is why they respond the only way they know how — through protests,” she said.
She added that Nemcha Kipgen had long struggled to gain popular support within her community and warned that recent political moves could potentially weaken the demand for Separate Administration. “We are living in a state where one wrong move can cost lives or homes. Can justice truly prevail in such a situation?” she questioned.
Research scholar Thangminlal Lalboy Doungel described the development as a complete surprise, recalling a unanimous resolution adopted at a joint meeting of civil society organisations, MLAs and Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups under the LUNGTHU platform in Guwahati last year.
“It was collectively agreed that no popular government would be formed unless there was a written assurance for Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature,” he said.
“Protests, rallies, and even press conferences in New Delhi were organised to assert that justice must precede government formation. The decision by three legislators to support the government goes against the will of the people, driven by political inducements. What we are witnessing on the ground today are the consequences of that decision.”
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