Violence has erupted once again in Manipur as soon as the government was formed. Violence broke out in Churachandpur district of the state on Thursday evening against the swearing-in of new Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losi Dikho. There were strong protests against both the leaders which later took a violent turn. Hundreds of young protesters in the Tuibong Main Market area of the district tried to push the security forces back into their barracks. After this, when the security forces refused to listen, stone pelting started. Some people also burnt tyres in the middle of the road.
The tribal organization, the Joint Forum of Seven, has called for a 12-hour shutdown in the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur area from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday. Meanwhile, some organizations have announced a reward of 2 million rupees for the killer of Nemcha Kipgen and 10 lakh rupees each for the killers of MLAs LM Khaute and N Senaate.
The Kuki community is divided over Nemcha Kipgen’s appointment as Deputy Chief Minister in the new government. One organization has announced a social boycott of the three Kuki MLAs in the government, accusing them of betrayal and allying with the Meitei. Three Kuki Jo-Mi MLAs are part of the Manipur government, with Nemcha sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister and the other two, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur, expected to be sworn in soon.
This revelation further fueled anger among the protesters. Sources say the Kuki-Zomi people suffered greatly in the violence. Hundreds of people were murdered in broad daylight in Imphal, and their property worth millions was burned. Their churches were also set on fire.
The Assam Rifles were deployed to calm the situation, but initial efforts were unsuccessful. Security forces eventually had to retreat temporarily. Tear gas was then fired to disperse the crowd. According to news agency ANI, violence is still ongoing. The atmosphere in the area remains tense.
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