Manipur: Vaiphei Women Protest Outside MLA LM Khaute’s Home
Hundreds of Vaiphei women staged protests in Churachandpur against MLA LM Khaute’s decision to support the newly formed Manipur government, highlighting divisions within tribal communities.
CHURACHANDPUR- Hundreds of women from the Vaiphei community staged a protest outside the residence of Churachandpur MLA L. M. Khaute at Thangzam Road in Churachandpur on Thursday, accusing him of betraying public sentiment by joining Manipur’s newly installed popular government.
The demonstration unfolded amid heightened political tensions in the hill districts, where sections of tribal communities have opposed the participation of certain legislators in the new administration.
According to local reports, the protest was organised under the banner of the Vaiphei Women Association (VWA), with demonstrators marching towards the MLA’s residence despite heavy security deployment. A brief confrontation reportedly occurred as protesters attempted to approach the premises, prompting intervention by security personnel.
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The agitation continued with a planned sit-in at the Vaiphei Community Centre in New Lamka’s Bethel area. Protesters, many from Khaute’s own community, alleged that his decision to support the government disregarded public concerns amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur’s hill regions. The broader unrest follows political realignments after the formation of the new state government, which has triggered protests across parts of Churachandpur.
The political backlash against legislators supporting the new government has intensified since early February, with tribal bodies and activists staging rallies and demanding accountability from elected representatives perceived to be aligning with the administration.
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Manipur has remained volatile since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023 between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leaving hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced. Analysts note that the current protests are unfolding against this backdrop of unresolved tensions, where decisions by individual lawmakers often carry wider symbolic and communal implications.
Authorities have urged restraint and called for dialogue as protests continue, while political observers say the developments reflect growing polarisation within tribal constituencies over the direction of the state’s governance.
