Fresh unrest was reported from parts of Manipur on Thursday following the appointment of Kuki Zo community MLA Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister in the reinstated National Democratic Alliance government. The developments triggered strong opposition within sections of the Kuki Zo community, leading to protests, road blockades and clashes with security forces.
According to officials, around a dozen protesters sustained injuries during confrontations with security personnel in Churachandpur district. The protests intensified after Nemcha Kipgen took oath as Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday through videoconferencing from Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi. She was appointed alongside Naga MLA Losii Dikho as one of two tribal representatives in the cabinet under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Tensions escalated as demonstrators burned tyres and blocked major roads in Kangpokpi district. Several protest groups also announced shutdown calls across hill areas, disrupting normal life. The Joint Forum of Seven, an umbrella organisation representing various Kuki Zo groups, called for a complete shutdown in Kuki Zo-dominated regions to oppose the participation of their legislators in the state government.
The influential Kuki Zo Council strongly objected to Kipgen’s decision to join the cabinet and announced a social boycott of any legislator from the community who aligns with the current state government. The council stated that her acceptance of the deputy chief ministerial post violated a collective community decision not to join the government until the Centre formally addresses their long-standing demand for administrative separation from the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley.
In a statement, the Kuki Zo Council described the move as a defiance of the community’s mandate and warned that participation in the government without addressing core political demands would deepen divisions and unrest in the state. Protest leaders reiterated that their opposition was not personal but rooted in political concerns related to autonomy, security and governance.
Security forces were deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation, and authorities said they were monitoring the situation closely. Officials appealed to protestors to maintain peace and resolve issues through dialogue.
Manipur has been witnessing prolonged ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki Zo communities, leading to periodic violence, displacement and political instability. The formation of the new government was seen as an attempt to restore administrative normalcy, but the latest developments highlight the continuing challenges faced by the state leadership.
Political observers say the backlash underscores the fragile situation in Manipur and the difficulty of balancing representation with community expectations. The state government has not yet issued a detailed response to the protests, though senior officials indicated that efforts are underway to engage with community leaders.
As the situation remains tense, authorities continue to maintain heightened security across affected districts to prevent further unrest and ensure public safety.
