Tensions have escalated again in Manipur following the formation of a new government, with violent protests breaking out in Churachandpur over the swearing-in of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
Violence erupted in Churachandpur district after the lifting of President’s Rule and the formation of a new government in the state. The latest unrest was triggered by opposition to the swearing-in of Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho as Deputy Chief Ministers, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces.
On Thursday, a large number of people gathered on the streets in the Tuibong Bazaar area of Churachandpur district. Protesters opposed the appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led government. During the protest, the crowd placed tyres and other materials on the road and set them on fire. Slogans were raised against Nemcha Kipgen, creating a tense situation in the area.
The situation deteriorated further when security forces attempted to disperse the protesters. The number of demonstrators exceeded that of the security personnel, after which stone-pelting began. To bring the situation under control, security forces resorted to a lathi charge. Two people sustained minor injuries in the action. Police officials said the situation remains tense and additional security forces have been deployed as a precautionary measure.
Tensions in the state had begun rising from Wednesday, when Nemcha Kipgen, a resident of Kangpokpi district, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Along with her, Naga People’s Front विधायक Losii Dikho also took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. The swearing-in led to discontent among several local groups and organisations, which manifested in violent protests on Thursday.
Following these developments, several organisations called for a complete shutdown in the Kuki-majority Churachandpur district. Markets, shops, and public activities were affected. Security arrangements were tightened during the shutdown. The administration said all necessary steps are being taken to deal with any untoward incident.
A new NDA government was formed in Manipur on Wednesday. BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as Chief Minister. BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen from the Kuki community and Losii Dikho from the Naga community assumed office as Deputy Chief Ministers. BJP’s Govindas Konthoujam and NPP’s K Loken Singh were also sworn in as ministers.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan. It took place a few hours after the lifting of President’s Rule in the state. Nemcha Kipgen took her oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister and ministers.
Manipur had been under President’s Rule since February last year. The situation in the state had continued to deteriorate after ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023. In view of the law and order situation, the Centre had imposed President’s Rule. After nearly a year, an elected government has now assumed office in the state.
Ethnic violence has been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. The violence began after a tribal solidarity march was held in the hill districts against the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the majority Meitei community. This led to clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which spread across the state.
Over the past nearly two years, the violence has claimed the lives of people from both the Kuki and Meitei communities, as well as security personnel. At least 260 people have been killed so far, and thousands have been displaced from their homes. A large number of people are living in relief camps.
The new government includes representatives from the Kuki, Naga, and Meitei communities. This is being seen as a step towards shared governance. However, the recent protests in Churachandpur have made it clear that the situation on the ground remains highly sensitive. The biggest challenge before the government is to win the trust of all communities and restore peace.
The administration has appealed to people to maintain peace. Officials said that issues can only be resolved through dialogue and democratic means. Security agencies are keeping a close watch on the situation and are taking strict measures to prevent the spread of rumours.
