Violent Clashes Erupt in Manipur Over Tribal MLA's Government Role
Approximately a dozen protesters sustained injuries during confrontations with security forces in Manipur's Churachandpur district on Thursday. The violence erupted as initial discontent within the Kuki-Zo community escalated dramatically following their elected representative Nemcha Kipgen's decision to accept the position of deputy chief minister in the recently reinstated NDA government.
Community Organizations Issue Strong Responses
The influential Kuki Zo Council has declared a formal social boycott against any legislator from their community who participates in Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh's administration. This declaration came as protesters burned tires and obstructed roadways in Kangpokpi district, with at least one faction demanding a complete shutdown across the hill regions.
The Joint Forum of Seven, an organization representing Kuki freedom fighters historically associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauz, has called for a comprehensive shutdown on Friday throughout all Kuki-Zo majority areas in Manipur. Additionally, they have organized a protest rally scheduled to take place in Churachandpur.
Return to Unrest After Period of Calm
Kangpokpi district witnessed a disturbing return to turmoil following months of relative peace across the hills. Roads became littered with burning tires as demonstrators expressed their opposition. The armed Kuki Liberation Army issued what they described as a "clear and final warning," stating that any Kuki-Zo representative joining the state government would be considered to have committed betrayal against their community.
Nemcha Kipgen, who took her oath of office via videoconference from Delhi's Manipur Bhawan on Wednesday, serves as one of two tribal deputies to Chief Minister Khemchand Singh alongside Naga MLA Losii Dikho. The Kuki Zo Council views Kipgen's acceptance of the position as direct defiance of what they describe as a "collective mandate" against participating in government until the central administration acknowledges their longstanding demand for administrative separation from the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley.
Divisions Within Tribal Communities Emerge
Complicating the volatile situation, Thadou Inpi Manipur has adopted a contradictory position by congratulating Kipgen on what they term her "historic appointment as the first Thadou tribal" to hold the office of deputy chief minister. The organization urged her to "fearlessly and unequivocally reject Kuki identity" and distance herself from what they characterize as "separatist agendas."
Thadou Inpi Manipur asserts that Kipgen possesses official Thadou tribe certification and was elected from the Kangpokpi general constituency, highlighting complex tribal identity dynamics within the region. This internal division among tribal groups adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political landscape in Manipur.
The situation remains fluid with security forces maintaining heightened alertness across affected districts as various community organizations prepare for further demonstrations and potential confrontations.
