CHURACHANDPUR: The total shutdown called by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur, was temporarily lifted on Thursday afternoon to facilitate public participation in a rally organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR).
The rally was held in protest against the decision of three MLAs—Kangpokpi MLA Nemcha Kipgen, Tipaimukh MLA Ngulsanglur Sanate, and Churachandpur MLA L.M. Khaute—to join the newly formed popular government in Manipur.
According to a press release issued by KSO Churachandpur, the shutdown was eased to allow maximum participation in the mass rally, which commenced at 12:30 pm from Koite Football Ground and culminated at Peace Ground, Tuibong. During the rally, protesters raised slogans such as “Popular government: we don’t like” and “Popular government: down down”, along with slogans targeting the three MLAs for joining the new government.
Following reports of the MLAs’ decision, public resentment was witnessed on Wednesday night. Around 9 pm onwards, residents of the Tuibong area staged protests, during which clashes occurred between protesters and security forces. Tyres were burnt and stones were pelted, prompting the police to fire blank rounds and use tear gas to disperse the crowd. However, no major injuries were reported.
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Earlier on Thursday morning, shutdown volunteers also reportedly waylaid vehicles plying the roads despite the enforcement of the shutdown. Till the filing of this report, no major incidents or loss of property had been reported.
The 24-hour shutdown, which began at midnight on February 5 in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, was observed strictly in Tuibong and surrounding areas, disrupting normal life with shops remaining closed and vehicles off the roads. However, normal activities continued in Lamka town, as the Churachandpur Village Defence Force (CVDF) opposed the use of the term “Kuki-Zo,” stating that it was not acceptable to the Zomi community. In a press release, the CVDF further indicated that those subscribing to the Kuki-Zo nomenclature would not be welcome in their areas without consent.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, KSO Churachandpur stated that it endorsed the social boycott of the three MLAs announced by the Kuki-Zo Council for participating in the formation of the Manipur government.
Meanwhile, in a separate press statement issued on Thursday, the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) General Headquarters said the recent constitution of the Council of Ministers should serve as a reminder of the need for collective decision-making. The ZSF added that as long as elected representatives continue as MLAs, they are effectively part of the government, and the inclusion of some MLAs in the Cabinet should not be viewed negatively.