A new session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly is scheduled to begin today, just a day after the swearing-in of the state’s new Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Governor Anusuiya Uikey has convened the session at 4 PM. The recent government formation has led to protests by several Kuki organisations, who have expressed dissatisfaction over the political developments.

Kuki Groups Call For Shutdown in Hills

The inclusion of Kuki MLA Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister has triggered demonstrations in Kuki-dominated areas. In response, the Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), representing several Kuki-Zo groups, has called for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown today from 6 AM to 6 PM in regions where the community forms a majority.

The Kuki-Zo Council clarified that any legislator from the community joining the government without collective consensus would be acting independently and would be solely responsible for their decisions. Separately, other Kuki factions have cautioned their elected representatives against participating in the new government.

Demonstrations Against Deputy CM in Kangpokpi

Following the appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister, protests were held in Kangpokpi district, which has a significant Kuki population. On Wednesday night, demonstrators gathered near Leimakhong, where road blockades were created and tyres were set on fire to express their dissent.

Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP legislator from Kangpokpi, previously served as minister for social welfare, cooperation, commerce, industries, and textiles in the N. Biren Singh-led government. During the ethnic unrest in 2023, her official residence in Imphal was reportedly set ablaze. Kipgen is also among the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs who had earlier called for a separate administrative arrangement for the hill regions.

Profile of New CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh

Yumnam Khemchand Singh, BJP MLA from Singjamei in Imphal West, takes charge as the new Chief Minister. He previously served as Speaker of the Manipur Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and later as a minister in the N. Biren Singh government.

Hailing from the Meitei community, Khemchand Singh is seen as a close associate of former CM Biren Singh but is known for a more moderate political approach. In the wake of the May 2023 ethnic violence, he became the first Meitei leader to visit relief camps and Kuki-dominated areas in December 2023 in a bid to foster dialogue.

Ongoing Ethnic Tensions Between Meiteis and Kukis

Manipur has been grappling with ongoing ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities. One key point of contention is the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis. In April 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider this demand. The development fuelled apprehensions among Kukis, who fear that ST status for Meiteis could impact their access to protected hill areas, where Meiteis currently cannot buy land.

Another source of friction lies in the Kukis’ demand for a separate administrative framework, often referred to as ‘Kukiland’ or ‘Zoland’. While Kuki groups argue for autonomy, the state government and Meitei community view this as a threat to Manipur’s territorial integrity.

Kuki communities also face drug trade allegations, particularly regarding suspected links with narcotics coming from across the Myanmar border. These claims have further strained relations between the community and the state, with Kuki groups accusing the government of bias and disproportionate action by security forces.

As the new Manipur government takes shape, tensions remain high across the state, particularly in hill regions demanding greater political recognition and autonomy.

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