Imphal, February 9: The Kukichao Council (KZC), the leading organization of the Kukichao community, has advised its members working in state and central government positions, as well as in the private sector, to avoid traveling to or accepting postings in Meitei-dominated areas for the time being.
The non-tribal Meitei community primarily resides in five to six districts of the Imphal Valley, including the state capital, Imphal.
In its statement, the council emphasized that the conflict between the Kukichao people and the Meitei community is ongoing. It noted that there is no political solution, mutual agreement, or formal arrangement in place to address the root causes of this conflict or to ensure the safety of the Kukichao people.
The statement read, “The ground situation remains delicate, tense, and uncertain.”
The KZC also highlighted that with the formation of a new Meitei-led government, there is a strong possibility that employees may receive orders to serve or be transferred to Meitei-dominated areas.
The council firmly stated, “All employees working in state government, central government, public enterprises, or private institutions are strongly advised against traveling, reporting, or accepting postings in such areas, regardless of any official directives.”
This advisory was issued with the utmost consideration for human life. The statement added, “Life is precious, and during this sensitive period, no government duty, posting, or administrative order is worth risking anyone’s life. Until a reliable political solution or mutual agreement is reached, safe passage and peaceful coexistence cannot be guaranteed.”
The council urged the administration to understand the current conditions and take responsible actions to ensure that no citizen’s life is endangered. It also called for heightened vigilance from all parties until justice and a lasting political solution restore peace.
Meanwhile, since the formation of the new government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on February 4, several Kukichao organizations have been organizing protests and strikes in various hill districts, particularly in Churachandpur. These organizations are opposing the participation of their community’s legislators in the state government formation.
Reports of rallies, protests, and effigy burnings have also emerged from other hill districts, including Tengnoupal. The Kukichao Students Organization (KSO), Kukichao Women Organization for Human Rights, Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), and other Kukichao organizations are leading these protests.
On the evening of February 5, clashes occurred between protesters and security forces in the Tuibong Market and Forest Gate areas of Churachandpur district. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in at least five injuries.
According to police, most young protesters chanted slogans while setting piles of garbage and tires on fire. The demonstrators also targeted BJP legislator and Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kukichao community.
Tensions have persisted in Churachandpur and other hill districts since the evening of February 4, the same day Nemcha Kipgen took the oath of office virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. Kipgen is the only female minister in Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s cabinet.
Out of a total of ten Kukichao legislators, three (Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khoute, and Ngursanglura Sanate) have participated in the government formation process. Seven of these legislators are from the BJP, while three are affiliated with local Kukichao organizations.
Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khoute, and Ngursanglura Sanate participated virtually in the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Assembly on February 5.