Manipur: Churachandpur Witnesses Return to Calm After Days of Protest and Clashes

Imphal: Calm has gradually returned to much of Churachandpur in India’s northeastern state of Manipur after two days of intense protests and sporadic violence over the inclusion of three local legislators in the newly formed state government.

Police said that by Saturday, markets and businesses were reopening in many parts of the hill district’s principal town, with the unrest that erupted earlier this week largely confined to specific streets between Tuibong and Kangvai. Additional security personnel remain deployed to counter fresh disturbances.

It may be mentioned that the unrest was triggered by the swearing-in of three members of the BJP from the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities, including Nemcha Kipgen, who was appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the coalition government led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Many in Churachandpur and neighbouring hill districts felt that the decision ignored broader community demands for greater political autonomy and failed to reflect tribal aspirations.

Tribal bodies in the region responded by enforcing a “total shutdown” in Kuki-Zo majority areas, disrupting normal life as shops closed and roads stood empty for two days. Rallying crowds held demonstrations in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, with some protesters burning effigies of the three legislators in opposition.

Thursday and Friday saw tense confrontations between demonstrators and security forces, with local officials reporting at least five people injured as stones were thrown and police moved to disperse crowds. While most recent reports point to a marked reduction in violence, authorities say they are prepared to act again if required.

At the centre of the dispute are ethnic organisations such as the Zomi Council, which has summoned the three legislators to explain their decision to join the government. The council has stressed that voters expected their representatives to uphold collective community positions, particularly on demands for a separate administrative arrangement in the hill districts following years of ethnic conflict.

Despite Saturday’s easing of tensions, political and social fault lines remain. Observers note that deep-rooted grievances linked to the state’s recent history of ethnic violence and administrative arrangements continue to pose challenges to long-term stability in the region.

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