Kangpokpi lawmaker Nemcha Kipgen on Wednesday became the first kooky-jo person to become Manipur’s deputy chief minister but took oath virtually from the Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.
The Kukis started protesting after a woman from the community became the DC CMA day after Kigpen was sworn in, influential Kuki civil society groups objected to his joining the government led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meiti leader.
In the Kuki-dominated hill district of Churachandpur, security forces secured the residences of two Kuki-jo legislators – LM Khaute and Nursanglu Sanate. They did not take oath as ministers but took Imphal Singh with them to demand the formation of the government.
Kipzen did not respond to calls and text messages.
“Meetings were held in Kangpokpi throughout the day. Many groups issued statements protesting and opposing Kuki-jo leaders joining the government under Miitei CM and headquarters in Imphal. This could be one of the reasons why he did not visit Imphal immediately,” said a BJP official.
“In fact in the last two years even when Biren Singh was chief minister, kuki-jo MLAs did not resign but worked from districts like Delhi, Aizawl or Churachandpur and Kangpokpi,” added the official, who did not want to be named.
Kuki Inpi Manipur, an umbrella organization of kuki-jo groups, condemned the formation of the government
“Kuki INPI Manipur is strongly opposed to any Kuki-Jo MLA joining such a government. Any Kuki-Jo MLA who wants to do so must come clean to the people and explain why they have decided to join despite being bound by the earlier Guwahati Conclave Resolution. Such MLAs must take full responsibility for their actions. In case of Kuki-Jo MLAs forming such a government, Kuki-Jo The MLA will form a night government to curtail all political activities of any political party in Kuki-jo area,” the group said in a statement.
The Cookie-Joe Council also issued a statement warning lawmakers. “KZC clarifies that any kuki-jo legislators who choose to ignore the collective decision not to participate in Manipur government formation will do so in their individual capacity and KZC will not be held responsible for any consequences arising out of such unilateral decision.”
Amid protests by civil society groups in Churachandpur, the district administration on Wednesday reached the residence of two cookie-jo MLAs and secured the complex.
“Top officers of the police, Assam Rifles and CRPF have reached the house to provide security. The district is on high alert as there are groups who are not happy about the government joining. Their pictures were also circulated on social media. Additional forces have been brought to Churachandpur. Teams are ready to deal with any untoward situation on the ground,” said a senior security force official.
HT reported on Wednesday that Kigpen’s husband Thangboi Kipgen not only represents the Kuki-Jo community but also the militant group whose operation agreement with the Center has been suspended. “Her husband is also the leader of the Kuki National Front (KNF), an influential SoO group in a peace accord with the Centre. SoO groups with significant influence among the Kuki-Jo people will be represented in the cabinet. The NPF leader, who is from a neutral community, will also be a good move,” said a BJP member.
