Protest, shutdown in Churachandpur on Manipur CM’s visit
Churachandpur: Hundreds of Kukis took to the streets of Manipur’s Churachandpur district to protest Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh’s visit ahead of the last rites of former BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, officials said.
According to Kashmir Media Service, at least six Kuki organisations boycotted the Chief Minister’s visit to the Kuki-Zo majority district, demanding a permanent resolution to the simmering ethnic conflict in the state.
Markets remained closed and vehicles stayed off the roads in the district headquarters following a shutdown call given by an armed group. Dozens of protesters also gathered on Tedim Road near Kaprang area to block the route from Imphal to Churachandpur.
Armed persons fired several rounds in the air near Jalengphai area in Churachandpur district bordering the valley district of Bishnupur.In a joint statement, Kuki organisations including Kuki Students Organisation, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur and Kuki Women Union, under the banner of Kuki Civil Society Organisation, said: “Until and unless there is a solution to the ongoing Kuki-Zo-Meitei conflict, we would not allow any Meitei individual, officials or group in our district.”
The protests came as the Chief Minister visited to attend the final rites of former BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who passed away in February this year.
At least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since May 2023 due to ethnic violence between valley-based Meiteis and Kukis living in the hill districts. The state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, following continued clashes and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. President’s Rule was lifted on February 4, 2026.
