Churachandpur, Feb 5: Tension escalated in Churachandpur on Thursday evening as hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces during demonstrations against Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in the formation of the Manipur government.
Protesters gathered in large numbers, pelted stones at security personnel and set tyres ablaze on roads. In response, security forces fired tear gas shells in an attempt to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. Authorities said the situation remains tense, with more protesters continuing to assemble, while security forces are making sustained efforts to restore calm.
The unrest followed the recent formation of the Manipur government and comes in the wake of the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur (KSO-CCP) announcing a 24-hour total shutdown across Churachandpur district from midnight of February 6. The shutdown was called in protest against the participation of certain Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation.
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In a statement, KSO-CCP praised Kuki-Zo MLAs who refused to join the government, saying their decision upheld the collective mandate for Separate Administration and demonstrated political clarity and courage amid ongoing displacement and insecurity in the hill districts. At the same time, the organisation strongly criticised those MLAs who joined the government, alleging they had “betrayed” the community and violated resolutions adopted at the NAMPI Conclave.
The student body also endorsed the social boycott announced by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) against Kuki-Zo MLAs participating in the government. The KZC declared that the boycott would apply across all Kuki-Zo areas and urged the public not to cooperate or associate with the MLAs concerned in any social, customary or public matters. The council said the boycott would remain in force until the MLAs withdraw from the government and realign with the collective position of the Kuki-Zo people.
ALSO READ: Kuki-Zo Council Declares Social Boycott of MLAs Joining Manipur Government
Adding to the opposition, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has also rejected the move to form a “popular government” in Manipur, terming it ill-advised given the fragile law and order situation. The organisation urged Kuki-Zo MLAs to stay away from the government, stating that their participation would disregard the suffering, aspirations and political will of the community.
The developments underline the deepening political and social tensions in Manipur, where efforts to form a government continue amid unresolved ethnic conflict and mounting public protests.
