Amid protests staged in Kuki-Zo areas against the participation of MLAs from the community in the formation of the popular government, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh made a fervent appeal to all concerned to remain calm and not to resort to violence of any kind. The Chief Minister made the appeal after chairing a cabinet meeting at the CM Secretariat here to discuss the prevailing situation in the northeastern state. Normal life in the Kuki-majority Churachandpur district was affected after two tribal bodies imposed a “total shutdown”, while protesters in three hill districts staged a rally against the participation of three Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs in the formation of the popular government in the state, alleging that the legislators betrayed the community.
On Thursday evening, a mob clashed with security forces in Churachandpur district amid protests over Kuki MLA Nemcha Kipgen, joining the BJP-led government as deputy chief minister. In a social media post, Khemchand said, “Chaired a review meeting with Hon’ble Ministers and senior officials this evening at my Secretariat to take stock of the prevailing situation and to take necessary decisions for containing the unrest.” The Chief Minister also said that there is no scope for any community to lose hope. “Compassion remains our guiding principle, and the prospects for a better life for all are not jeopardized. I earnestly appeal to everyone to remain calm and to act in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and not to resort to violence,” Khemchand said. Effigies of Kipgen and two other legislators, LM Khaute and N Sanate, who belong to Zo and Hmar communities, were also burnt in Churachandpur district. All three are ruling BJP MLAs. Protest rallies were also held in Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts.
