Imphal, Feb 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, made a heartfelt appeal on Friday to individuals across all societal segments to uphold peace and tranquility while avoiding any acts of violence during the ongoing protests in the districts inhabited by the Kuki-Zo tribal communities.

Numerous organizations representing the Kuki-Zo community have been actively protesting in Churachandpur and other mountainous districts against the participation of their community's MLAs in the formation of the state government.

The Chief Minister's appeal followed a Cabinet meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, aiming to assess the current situation, especially in Churachandpur district.

On the social media platform X, CM Singh stated: “I chaired a review meeting with esteemed Ministers and senior officials at my Secretariat to evaluate the ongoing situation and make necessary decisions to mitigate the unrest. I sincerely urge everyone to remain composed and act in accordance with the Constitution.”

On Friday, normalcy in Churachandpur district was significantly disrupted as various tribal organizations enforced a complete shutdown for 24 hours, protesting against the involvement of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government's formation process, as reported by officials.

Protest marches were also conducted in Tengnoupal and other hilly areas of the state.

According to a police official in Imphal, protesters, some armed with sticks, obstructed vehicles at several points in the Churachandpur district headquarters.

Both government and private offices, shops, banks, markets, and educational institutions remained shuttered, while the movement of vehicles was largely halted.

The shutdown was initiated by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), along with other Kuki-Zo tribal groups. The atmosphere remained tense, leading to the deployment of extensive additional security forces throughout Churachandpur and other hill districts.

On Friday afternoon, the KSO and KWOHR also organized a mass protest rally opposing the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation process.

On Thursday, clashes broke out between security forces and a mob at Tuibong Bazaar and Forest Gate areas, prompting security personnel to resort to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least five individuals sustained injuries during the confrontations. Additional security forces were deployed in the affected areas to avert further escalation, with sporadic clashes continuing until around 3 a.m. on Friday.

Senior security officials were dispatched to the region to supervise efforts to restore order, as stated by the official. Tensions have been escalating in Churachandpur district since Wednesday evening (February 4) when Nemcha Kipgen, hailing from Kangpokpi district, took an oath as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. Kipgen is the only female minister in the cabinet led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, which took office on Wednesday.

Thus far, three out of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, namely Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate, have engaged in the government formation process.

Among the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven belong to the BJP, while the remaining three are linked with local Kuki-Zo organizations. Kipgen, Khaute, and Sanate also participated virtually in the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday.