Manipur CM calls for calm amid protests in Kuki-majority areas

Manipur's Chief Minister urges calm amid protests in Kuki-majority areas, following unrest over MLAs joining the new government.

Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Friday (February 6, 2026) appealed to all concerned to remain calm and not to resort to violence, as protests were staged in Kuki-majority districts over the participation of MLAs from the community in the formation of a popular government in the State.

Mr. Singh, who was sworn-in as the Chief Minister on Wednesday (February 4, 2026), made the appeal after chairing a Cabinet meeting at the CM Secretariat in Imphal to discuss the prevailing situation in the northeastern State.

Normal life in the Kuki-majority Churachandpur district was affected after two tribal bodies imposed a "total shutdown", while protesters in three hill districts staged a rally against the participation of three Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs in the formation of the popular government in the State, alleging that the legislators betrayed the community.

On Thursday (February 5, 2026) evening, a mob clashed with security forces in Churachandpur district amid protests over Kuki MLA Nemcha Kipgen, joining the BJP-led government as Deputy Chief Minister.

What led to President’s rule in the strife-hit Manipur? The story so far

In a social media post, Mr. Singh said, "Chaired a review meeting with Hon’ble Ministers and senior officials this evening at my Secretariat to take stock of the prevailing situation and to take necessary decisions for containing the unrest." The Chief Minister also said that there is no scope for any community to lose hope.