Fresh violence unfolded in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Thursday, a day after the formation of a popular government. Heavy stone pelting has also been reported, with two protesters attempting self-immolation in the afternoon, prompting a heavy deployment of security forces.
Tensions snowballed as protestors clashed with security personnel, which in turn resulted in the use of tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds.
This formation of the new Manipur government under the BJP’s Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meitei, came after almost a year of president’s rule, which was imposed following the resignation of then CM N. Biren Singh in February 2025.
Two People Sustained Minor Injuries
The violence, as per the officials, started as a mob gathered near Tuibong Bazaar and set ablaze a pile of discarded materials, which included tires, and raised slogans against Nemcha Kipgen. The situation escalated as the security forces attempted to clear the area. Two people sustained minor injuries during the clashes.
The situation has remained tense with security personnel deployed. Meantime, Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has said that the government’s top priority would be addressing the problems faced by people who were displaced due to ethnic violence in both hill and valley districts.
“Our first priority will be to look after the problems of internally displaced persons in both the hills and the valley. The biggest issue is that they are not able to return to their homes. The government will formulate a roadmap very soon,” Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said.
Total Shutdown
A total shutdown has been imposed in the areas where clashes unfolded. The Kuki-Zo tribal group has declared a social boycott of Kuki-Zo legislators who have joined the newly formed Manipur government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. The shutdown was more effectively visible in the Tuibong area of the district headquarters town.
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights has also announced that it will organize a mass public rally on Friday afternoon to object to the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation process.
