Imphal, Feb 4: Heavy security has been deployed at the residences of Kuki-Zo MLAs in Manipur following heightened tensions surrounding the formation of the new state government after the revocation of President’s Rule.
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| Security personnel stand guard outside the residence of Kuki-Zo MLA Ngursanglur Sanate in Churachandpur amid heightened security following Manipur government formation developments. |
President’s Rule in Manipur, imposed on February 13, 2025, was officially revoked on Wednesday through a Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, paving the way for the restoration of an elected government after nearly a year of direct central administration.
Later in the day, BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur, while senior BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen created history by taking oath as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Kipgen also became the first leader from Manipur to take oath virtually, joining the ceremony from Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi.
ALSO READ: Any Kuki-Zo MLA joining Manipur government will act individually: Kuki-Zo Council
Earlier, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had formally submitted its claim to form the government to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan in Imphal. BJP Manipur president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi said the claim was staked in the presence of BJP observer Tarun Chugh and senior party leaders.
Significantly, for the first time in nearly three years, two Kuki-Zo MLAs - L M Khaute from Churachandpur and Ngursangur Sanate from Pherzawl - travelled to Imphal and met the Governor as part of the government formation process. Their visit to the state capital came after a long gap following the outbreak of ethnic violence and has been viewed by some as a tentative step towards peace and political normalcy.
However, the emergence of photographs showing Kuki-Zo MLAs participating in the claim submission triggered strong reactions among sections of the Kuki-Zo community, raising fears of possible untoward incidents. In response, the state administration deployed heavy security at the residences of the concerned Kuki-Zo MLAs to prevent any escalation.
ALSO READ: Kuki Liberation Army–Letkholun warns Kuki-Zo MLAs against joining Manipur government
Meanwhile, several Kuki-Zo civil society organisations and armed groups have issued warnings to Kuki-Zo MLAs against taking part in the formation of the Manipur government. In separate statements, the Kuki Liberation Army–Letkholun and other groups asserted that no Kuki-Zo MLA has the mandate to join a “popular government” under the present circumstances, cautioning that such participation would be seen as defying the collective will of the community.
With the new government now sworn in, the 7th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly is expected to be convened on February 6, 2026. As political developments continue to unfold, security remains tight across sensitive areas of the state, particularly around the homes and movements of Kuki-Zo legislators, amid ongoing debate, dissent and uncertainty.
