IMPHAL: Tension gripped Churachandpur district in Manipur as a complete 24-hour bandh called by several Kuki-Zo tribal organizations brought daily life to a standstill on Friday. The protest stemmed from deep resentment against the inclusion of Kuki-Zo legislators in the state’s new government formation.
The hill district, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community, saw markets, banks, schools, and government offices shuttered throughout the day. Roads remained deserted with minimal vehicle movement, and protesters wielding sticks halted traffic in key areas near the district headquarters.
Police reports indicated heightened security deployment across Churachandpur and neighboring hill districts like Tengnoupal, where solidarity rallies were also held. The Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO), Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights (KWOHR), and Joint Forum of Seven (JF7) spearheaded the bandh, voicing strong opposition to what they see as a betrayal of community interests.
Clashes erupted late Thursday evening in Tuibong market and Forest Gate areas between demonstrators and security forces. Protesters, mostly youth, set fire to garbage heaps, burned tires, and raised slogans against BJP legislator Nemcha Kipgen, who recently took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Security personnel responded with lathicharge and tear gas, injuring at least five people.
Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki-Zo lawmaker from Kangpokpi, assumed office virtually from New Delhi on Wednesday, becoming the sole woman in Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s cabinet. Among the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, three—including Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursangluur Sanate—have participated in government formation, drawing ire from tribal bodies.
The Kuki-Zo Council, the community’s apex body, announced social boycott of these legislators on Thursday. Governor Anusuiya Uikey and the Chief Minister urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace restoration in the violence-hit state during the ongoing assembly session.
As night fell, intermittent skirmishes continued until early Friday morning, with senior officials monitoring the situation on ground. Additional forces have been rushed to prevent further escalation, but the atmosphere remains charged amid ongoing protests.