Manipur’s attempt to return to democratic normalcy after a year of President’s Rule has hit a violent roadblock. On February 5, 2026, the streets of Churachandpur turned into a battlefield just hours after the state’s new NDA government was sworn in. While the appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as the first woman Kuki-Zo Deputy Chief Minister was intended as a gesture of inclusivity, it has instead triggered a wave of “traitor” accusations and street-level arson.
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The New Government: A “Fresh Spin” on Shared Governance
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur, officially ending the central rule imposed in February 2025. To project a unified front, the BJP-led alliance appointed two deputies:
Nemcha Kipgen (Kuki-Zo): Sworn in virtually from Manipur Bhawan, New Delhi.
Losii Dikho (Naga People’s Front): Sworn in at Lok Bhawan, Imphal.
Consequently, this shared leadership was meant to bridge the gap between the Meitei-dominated valley and the tribal hills. However, the move has been met with fierce resistance from the very community it was supposed to represent.
Churachandpur Clashes: Why Tuibong Bazaar Ignited
The situation in Churachandpur (a Kuki-Zo majority district) spiraled into violence around 6:00 PM on Thursday. Protesters gathered at Tuibong Bazaar, burning tires and blocking roads to protest what they call the “legitimization” of a government they do not recognize.
The mob, which reportedly outnumbered local security personnel, began pelting stones and using slingshots. Security forces responded with tear gas and a baton charge to prevent the crowd from storming the residence of local MLA LM Khaute. At least five individuals sustained injuries, and additional central forces have been rushed to the district to maintain a fragile peace.
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The “Traitor” Narrative: Kuki-Zo Council’s Social Boycott
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), an apex tribal body, has declared a total “social boycott” of any legislator from their community who joins the Khemchand Singh government. Their argument is rooted in the “collective mandate” established in 2023, which declared that no Kuki-Zo representative would participate in an Imphal-based government until the demand for Separate Administration (Union Territory) was met.
The Joint Forum of Seven (JF7) has echoed this sentiment, calling for a total shutdown today, February 6, across all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. In their view, Kipgen’s participation is a betrayal of the community’s suffering over the last three years.
Identity Crisis: The Thadou vs. Kuki Debate
In an investigative twist, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM)—representing the Thadou tribe—has taken a diametrically opposite stand. They congratulated Kipgen, noting that she holds a Thadou tribe certificate. They have urged her to “fearlessly reject the Kuki identity” and dissociate herself from separatist agendas. This internal ethnic fracturing adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile political landscape.
The Statistical Toll: Manipur’s 1,000-Day Conflict (2023–2026)
Since the initial outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, the human cost in Manipur has been staggering. According to updated government and monitoring data as of February 2026.
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| Category | Official Statistics (approx.) |
| Total Deaths | 260+ (including civilians and security personnel) |
| Displaced Persons | 60,000+ still in relief camps |
| Houses Destroyed | 4,800+ (Kuki and Meitei homes) |
| Religious Sites Vandalized | 380+ (Churches and Temples) |
| President’s Rule Duration | 356 days (Feb 2025 – Feb 2026) |
Reality Check: Can a Coalition Resolve the “Separate Administration” Demand?
While the Central Government hopes that including tribal deputies will foster dialogue, the ground reality suggests a “crisis of representation.” In fact, many Kuki-Zo residents feel that their MLAs in the new government no longer speak for the street-level movement. Therefore, the new government faces an immediate test: if they cannot even enter the hill districts to govern, the “unity” projected in New Delhi remains a paper-thin reality.
What This Means for You
If you are in Manipur or traveling to the hill districts today, expect total road closures and a complete shutdown of businesses in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Pherzawl. Security cordons are likely to remain tight through the weekend. For those outside the state, this violence serves as a reminder that the “political solution” for Manipur is still a distant goal, despite the return of an elected government.
Next Steps
Watch for the Chief Minister’s first official cabinet address scheduled for late Friday. You should also monitor the United Naga Council (UNC)‘s stance, as their reaction to Losii Dikho’s appointment will determine if the unrest spreads to Naga-inhabited districts. Finally, check for potential internet suspension orders if the Tuibong tensions do not subside by sunset.
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