The appointment of BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen as one of Manipur’s deputy chief ministers has triggered protests by members of the Kuki-Zo community in New Delhi, reflecting continuing political and social fault lines in the state after nearly a year under President’s Rule. The developments were reported by The Wire.
Manipur returned to an elected government on February 4, with Yumnam Khemchand Singh sworn in as chief minister in Imphal after President’s Rule was revoked earlier in the day. Alongside him, Naga People’s Front MLA Losii Dikho was sworn in as deputy chief minister at the oath ceremony in Imphal.
Kipgen, however, took her oath as deputy chief minister at Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi rather than in Imphal, in a move linked to ongoing restrictions on movement and access between the Imphal valley and hill areas since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.
Manipur deputy CM oath in Delhi draws backlash
Within hours of Kipgen’s appointment, around 50 Kuki-Zo protesters gathered outside Manipur Bhawan, demanding her resignation and accusing her of legitimising a government they say has failed to address the community’s concerns.
Protesters said the Kuki-Zo population remains unable to access the predominantly Meitei Imphal valley, and argued that participation in a Manipur government without broader political guarantees amounted to abandonment of their position. Demonstrators also raised issues such as displacement and the destruction of homes since the start of the violence in 2023.
Authorities at Manipur Bhawan did not permit interaction between Kipgen and protesters, according to the report. Protesters later dispersed after police intervention, with some setting fire to posters bearing her image.
Government formation after President’s Rule
Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, with the state assembly kept in suspended animation as violence continued. Since May 2023, more than 270 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced, according to figures cited in the report.
On February 4, Singh, a Meitei legislator representing the Singjamei constituency, met governor Ajay Bhalla in Imphal to stake his claim to form a new BJP-led government. After the swearing-in, he held a cabinet meeting in Imphal.
Two other ministers, Konthoujam Govindas Singh and Khuraijam Loken Singh, were also sworn in.
Kuki-Zo political position and split among MLAs
In the 60-member Manipur assembly, there are 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs. The report said five attended a meeting in Delhi a day earlier as the BJP and National Democratic Alliance discussed government formation, and that separate meetings were also held with Kuki-Zo legislators.
The report also referenced a position adopted by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations, Suspension of Operations-linked insurgent groups and some legislators calling for non-participation in a “popular government” unless the Union government agrees to a separate administration for hill areas in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.
Kuki-Zo leaders quoted in the report said any decision to join the government would be an individual choice and could carry political consequences within the community.
Kipgen had not publicly responded to the protests as of the report’s publication, while the new government in Imphal has begun functioning with an expanded cabinet amid continued security and segregation measures across parts of the state.