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February 5, 2026, Imphal/Churachandpur : The fragile political landscape of Manipur faced a new wave of tension this week as influential Kuki-Zo civil society groups issued a collective ultimatum to their community’s legislators. The Kuki-Zo Council and Kuki Inpi Manipur have formally warned all ten Kuki-Zo MLAs against participating in the newly formed state government, asserting that any lawmaker who joins the administration does so in their personal capacity and against the unified will of the community. This development follows the swearing-in of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the 13th Chief Minister, a move that effectively ended nearly a year of President’s Rule in the conflict-torn state.
The warning stems from a resolution passed during the Lungthu Meeting in Guwahati earlier this year, where community leaders and representatives from various Suspension of Operations groups decided to boycott government formation. The groups have maintained that participation is non-negotiable until the Central and State governments provide a written commitment to their primary political demand: the creation of a Union Territory with a dedicated legislature for the Kuki-Zo people. By joining the current cabinet, the organizations argue that MLAs are lending unearned legitimacy to a political structure that has yet to address the deep-seated grievances and physical separation resulting from the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.
Despite these stern advisories, the political rift within the community became visible during the swearing-in ceremony. Nemcha Kipgen, a prominent Kuki-Zo legislator, took the oath as Deputy Chief Minister via a virtual platform from New Delhi, while other MLAs like L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate were seen engaging with the new leadership in Imphal. The apex bodies have reacted sharply to these actions, stating that the council will not be held responsible for any public fallout or consequences that these “unilateral decisions” might provoke within their constituencies.
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with a total shutdown observed in Churachandpur and parts of Kangpokpi in protest of the new appointments. Security has been significantly bolstered around the residences of Kuki-Zo lawmakers as local groups continue to voice their dissent through demonstrations and road blockades. While the new government in Imphal has signaled its intent to prioritize peace and reconciliation, the refusal of the community’s primary civil organizations to recognize the political arrangement highlights the immense challenges facing the state’s path toward a durable resolution.
