Manipur: Churachandpur Tense as Shutdown, Clashes Reported
A 24-hour shutdown called by the Kuki Students’ Organisation in Churachandpur saw road blockades and clashes with security forces amid protests against Kuki-Zo MLAs joining the Manipur government.
CHURACHANDPUR- Volunteers enforced a 24-hour shutdown in Churachandpur district on Friday following a call by the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur (KSO-CCP), protesting the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the formation of the Manipur government.
From early morning, volunteers blocked roads at key locations in the district headquarters, restricting vehicular movement. Business establishments and educational institutions remained closed throughout the shutdown, while emergency services were exempted.
The shutdown was called to express dissatisfaction over Kuki-Zo legislators joining the BJP-led government in Manipur, a move that several civil society groups say undermines demands for justice, rehabilitation, and political safeguards amid the ongoing ethnic crisis.
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In parallel, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights announced a public rally at noon in Churachandpur opposing the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government. A similar protest rally was also organised in Moreh, reflecting wider opposition across Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas.
Tensions escalated on Thursday evening when a mob clashed with security forces near Tuibong Bazaar in Churachandpur amid protests against Nemcha Kipgen joining the government as deputy chief minister. Protesters reportedly set fire to discarded materials, including tyres, while raising slogans against her appointment.
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According to media reports, the situation worsened when security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd. Protesters allegedly pelted stones at the forces, who responded with a baton charge. Two people reportedly sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.
A senior police officer was quoted as saying that the situation remained tense and that additional forces had been deployed to restore order in the district.
Unrest has continued in Churachandpur since February 4, when Kipgen, an MLA from Kangpokpi district, took oath as deputy chief minister. Civil society groups maintain that political participation without addressing the humanitarian and political fallout of the ethnic violence has deepened public anger in the hill districts.
