Vaiphei women are demanding accountability from their legislator ML Khahute who has aligned with the state government despite past atrocities during May 2023 ethnic clashes. Protesters were reportedly assaulted by armed CVDF volunteers, highlighting the intra-tribe tension in the hills.
BY PC Bureau
February 12, 2026 : Hundreds of Vaiphei women protesting against local MLA L.M. Khaute were reportedly assaulted by masked men alleged to be members of the Zomi-dominated Central Village Defence Force (CVDF) during a demonstration in Churachandpur town today. The protesters were rallying against Khaute’s decision to join the newly formed Manipur government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, which they view as a betrayal of the community’s interests.
The CVDF, formed during the Manipur violence to counter the Meitei community, is reportedly trained by the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and has been accused of functioning as a proxy vigilante group, similar in role to the Arambai Tenggol. Video footage circulating online shows CVDF members kicking and beating unarmed women, raising serious questions about the group’s discipline, ethics, and accountability. Two women were reportedly injured in the incident.
Authorities deployed substantial security forces, particularly near sensitive areas such as the MLA’s residence. Tensions escalated when Zomi volunteers attacked protesters with sticks, forcing officials to intervene and disperse the crowd before it could reach Khaute’s home.
READ: Kuki Body Accuses Security Forces of Inaction Amid Continuing Arson in Litan
The Manipur Police dismissed social media reports of an attack on Khaute’s residence as “fake information.” In an official X post, police stated:
“Vaiphei Women Association (VWA) carried out a protest rally today in Churachandpur town. Adequate security deployment was made, and the protesters were dispersed well before the residence of MLA L.M. Khaute.”
Eyewitnesses said the protest was largely peaceful, with participants demanding Khaute’s resignation and opposing his inclusion in the BJP-led government. Protesters accused him of prioritizing political power over the community’s long-standing demands for justice, rehabilitation, and a separate administrative arrangement following the May 3, 2023 ethnic violence, during which Kuki-Zo women were among the most affected, facing rape, assault, displacement, and loss of homes.
Masked men, alleged to be CVDF members under the #ZRA, were seen mishandling Vaiphei women protesters who opposed the popular government, joined by #LM Khaute and his associates. It remains unclear whether the #CVDF or the state police were in charge of security.@LokBhavManipur pic.twitter.com/O7VfwqXjVf
— Hol Thangminjoy Kuki (@KukiMinjoy) February 12, 2026
The demonstration is part of a broader wave of unrest in Kuki-Zo dominated hill districts, where women-led protests have increasingly stepped into leadership amid perceived inaction or betrayal by male leaders. Earlier demonstrations also targeted Nemcha Kipgen, now Deputy Chief Minister, and Ngursanglur Sanate, prompting effigy burnings, shutdowns, and street protests. Women-led groups and tribal organizations have criticized these MLAs for betraying collective interests and deepening mistrust amid ongoing ethnic fault lines.
Nemcha Kipgen’s elevation to Deputy Chief Minister has been particularly provocative, as she is viewed as a prominent face of Kuki women, yet her political alignment contradicts the community’s demands for accountability and justice.
Vaiphei Women Association has held a sit-in protest in Ccpur (Churachandpur) to express their opposition to the formation of a popular government by LM Khaute. There were many scuffles/clashes with the RAF (Rapid Action Force). Everyone has come out to protest pic.twitter.com/1zvL7aPpBl
— Mapping Conflicts NorthEast (@MappingNEast) February 12, 2026
The Manipur government has appealed for calm, emphasizing dialogue with tribal leaders. Analysts warn that the inclusion of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the state cabinet could prolong unrest unless political grievances are meaningfully addressed, highlighting the fragile peace nearly three years after the May 2023 ethnic violence.
In this context, women have become the vanguard of the Kuki-Zo movement, asserting leadership where male leaders have faltered, ensuring the community’s struggle for justice, dignity, and accountability continues despite political betrayal. Their mobilization—from hill districts to the national capital—symbolizes resilience, moral authority, and unyielding resolve.
