Imphal: Several Kuki organisations in Manipur have warned legislators from their community against taking part in the formation of the new state government, announcing a “total shutdown” and protest actions in Kuki Zo–dominated areas in response to recent political developments.
The warning came a day after BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur, nearly a year after the resignation of former chief minister N Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic unrest.
The new government was formed while the state continues to grapple with the fallout of violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities that erupted in May 2023 and led to the imposition of President’s Rule.
Alongside the chief minister’s swearing-in, BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Naga People’s Front legislator L Dikho were appointed deputy chief ministers, triggering strong reactions from Kuki groups.
The Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), a tribal organisation based in Churachandpur district, announced a complete shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday across Kuki Zo–inhabited areas.
The group appealed to residents to participate in protest demonstrations in villages in what it described as a democratic expression of dissent, while reiterating its demand for a separate Kuki administrative arrangement.
In a strongly worded statement, the Kuki Zo Council said any MLA from the community who defies the collective decision of tribal bodies would be acting in a personal capacity, and that the organisation would not be responsible for the consequences of what it termed “unilateral decisions.”
Some Kuki militant groups have also reportedly issued warnings to community legislators against associating themselves with the new government.
Protests were reported on Wednesday night in Kangpokpi district, where agitators burnt tyres and placed bamboo barricades on roads near Leimakhong to oppose the swearing-in of Nemcha Kipgen as deputy chief minister.
Manipur has remained tense since May 3, 2023, when violence broke out following a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The prolonged unrest has claimed at least 260 lives, including civilians from both communities and security personnel, and has displaced thousands across the state.
