Civil society bodies have called for a total shutdown across Kuki-Zo dominated areas, accusing elected representatives of defying community resolutions demanding a separate administrative arrangement.
New Delhi | February 5, 2026
Fresh unrest swept across Churachandpur, a key Kuki-Zo stronghold in Manipur’s hill districts, on Thursday as widespread protests, tyre burning, road blockades, and shutdown calls erupted against the swearing-in of the BJP-led government a day earlier. Several protesters were reportedly injured during police lathi-charge as security forces moved in to disperse crowds.
The trigger for the agitation was the inclusion of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the new government — most notably Nemcha Kipgen, who was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister — despite strong opposition from civil society bodies. Protesters accused the legislators of defying community consensus amid the continuing ethnic crisis.
Kuki-Zo apex organisations had last month adopted unanimous resolutions barring participation in any Manipur government without constitutional guarantees for a separate Union Territory with legislature. The decision of three Kuki-Zo MLAs — Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate — to join the government has therefore sparked widespread anger and renewed political turmoil.
READ: Kuki-Zo Council Announces Social Boycott of MLAs Joining Manipur Govt
Protests, Blockades, and Rising Tensions
Tensions peaked in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur, where large crowds gathered, burned tyres, erected road barricades, and raised slogans denouncing what they described as a betrayal of community aspirations. Normal life was disrupted across several localities as security forces were deployed in strength to prevent escalation.
Security forces resorted to lathi charge and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, leaving dozens of protesters injured, many of them suffering series head injuries.
According to local sources, protests began early in the morning and intensified through the day. Demonstrators maintained that they would not recognise or cooperate with the new government until their demand for separate administration is addressed.
The agitation took a dramatic turn when two protesters allegedly attempted self-immolation in an act of symbolic protest. Police intervention prevented serious injury, but the incident further inflamed tensions. Sporadic scuffles were reported later in the evening, leaving several protesters injured.
By nightfall, the situation remained volatile, with heavy security deployment continuing across sensitive pockets of the district.
Shutdown Call and Security Measures
Severtal Kuki-Zo organisations have called for a total shutdown across Kuki-Zo–dominated areas from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday (February 6). The shutdown call urges peaceful participation while reiterating opposition to the inclusion of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation.
The protest is framed as a response to what community groups describe as the Centre’s prioritisation of restoring a “popular government” over addressing unresolved political and security grievances stemming from the ethnic violence that began in May 2023, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced tens of thousands.
Security has been stepped up around the residences of MLAs L.M. Khaute in Churachandpur and Ngursanglur Sanate in Tipaimukh amid concerns over targeted unrest. Enhanced patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance measures remain in place.
#Churachandpur tonight
Protest against the 3 MLAs from my community for joining the reformation of the Govt. in #Manipur without any Justice or accountability. pic.twitter.com/jrMFU5hdKn
— Adv. Siam Phaipi (@SiamPhaipi) February 5, 2026
Condemnation from Civil Bodies, Protests in Delhi
Major Kuki-Zo organisations, including Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), have condemned the MLAs’ decision, calling it a serious breach of community mandate. Social boycott calls and appeals for non-cooperation have been issued, further heightening tensions.
In New Delhi, Kuki-Zo protesters continued demonstrations outside Manipur Bhawan, echoing calls for accountability and demanding the resignation of Nemcha Kipgen.
The formation of the Yumnam Khemchand Singh–led government, ending nearly a year of President’s Rule, has been projected by the BJP as a step toward political normalcy. However, in the hill districts, it is widely viewed as a unilateral imposition that sidesteps core political demands for security, justice, and constitutional reorganisation.
With shutdowns looming and protests spreading, the developments underscore the fragile legitimacy of the new government in large parts of Manipur’s hills, raising concerns that political instability and social unrest could persist in the absence of meaningful dialogue and resolution.:
