Normal life has started returning to parts of Manipur’s Churachandpur district after two days of protests and shutdowns linked to the participation of Kuki-Zo and Hmar legislators in the formation of the newly established popular government in the state. Officials said the situation has improved since February 6, although security forces remain deployed in sensitive areas as a precaution.
According to police authorities, the protests that began on February 5 were largely confined to the Tuibong–Kangvai stretch of Churachandpur town. Demonstrations turned violent at some locations during the initial phase, leading to clashes between protesters and security personnel. However, no major fresh incidents were reported after security deployment was increased, and officials stated that the law-and-order situation is now under control.
Markets, shops and transport services gradually resumed in several parts of the district as business activity restarted, bringing partial relief to residents who had faced disruptions for two consecutive days. Some establishments in the Tuibong area, however, remained closed as a mark of protest, while local authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.
The unrest followed the swearing-in of three legislators from the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities as part of the new government formation process, including the appointment of MLA Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister along with MLAs L. M. Khaute and Ngursanglung Sanate taking ministerial responsibilities. Sections of civil society organisations in the hill districts opposed their participation in the government, claiming that the move did not reflect the collective stand taken earlier by certain community groups.
Shutdown calls by tribal bodies and protest rallies were organised in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, where demonstrators raised concerns about political representation and administrative arrangements. Several organisations reiterated their demand for a separate administrative structure for the Kuki-Zo people, an issue that has remained under discussion since the ethnic violence that began in the state in May 2023.
At the same time, other tribal organisations, including Zomi and Hmar groups, expressed support for the legislators who joined the government and appealed for calm, stating that political disagreements should not lead to prolonged public disruption. Observers also noted that political factors, including expectations regarding cabinet positions, may have contributed to the tensions, though official confirmation on such claims has not been made.
