Effigies of 3 Kuki-Zo MLAs burnt, shutdown paralyses CCpur, Saikul, Moreh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 06 2026: Protesters burnt the effigies of three Kuki legislators and caused damage to a four-wheeler during the total shutdown imposed in Kuki-dominated areas of the State today.

The bandh supporters burnt the effigies of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Churachandpur AC MLA LM Khaute and Tipaimuk AC MLA Ngursanglur Sanate.

A mass protest rally was also taken out at Saikul in Kangpokpi district.

The rally participants burnt effigies of the three Kuki legislators to protest their support and participation in the formation of the new State Government.

However, no mishap or untoward instances have been reported from the protest rally at Saikul.

Similarly, a protest rally was also staged in Moreh, Tengnoupal today.

The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) had announced a 24-hour shutdown from midnight of February 6, supported by Kuki-Zo Council.

On the other hand, the Joint Forum of Seven (J7) imposed a 12-hour total shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm today in opposition to the participation of Kuki MLAs in the formation of the new Government and the swearing in of Nemcha Kipgen as Deputy Chief Minister on February 4.Markets were closed and vehicles remained largely off the roads during the total shutdown.

In Tuibong area, bandh supporters thronged the streets in the morning and obstructed the movement of vehicles along the roads.

They burnt tyres and blocked the roads with a variety of objects.

Amid the shutdown, a car coming to Tuibong was substantially damaged by bandh supporters this morning.

In view of the volatile situation, additional security personnel have been deployed at many important junctions of Tuibong area to prevent any unwanted incidents.

The KSO and KWOHR also organised a mass protest rally today afternoon.

Yesterday, a violent clash was reported between an unruly mob and security forces at Tuibong.

The clashes went on till 3 am on Friday.

It is worth noting that on the same day (February 5), the two Kuki MLAs, along with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen attended the 7th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly virtually from New Delhi.

Tensions have been simmering in Churachandpur district since Wednesday evening (February 4) after Nemcha Kipgen, who hails from Kangpokpi district, virtually took oath as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.

Kipgen is the lone woman in the Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh Ministry which assumed office on Wednesday.

Three of the ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community - Nemcha Kipgen, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate - have so far been involved in the Government formation process.

Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven, including Kipgen, Khaute and Sanate, belong to the BJP, while the remaining two are affiliated with KPA and one Independent.

Kipgen, Khaute and Sanate virtually attended the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh addressed the session.

The Chief Minister underscored that restoring peace and normalcy in the violence-hit State is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including elected representatives.

The Governor said that maintaining law and order remains the foremost priority of the government, as efforts continue to restore normalcy and ensure public safety across the State.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Thursday declared a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in or were involved in the formation of the Manipur Government, reports IANS .

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