Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister Swearing-In Ignites Ethnic Identity Controversy
The swearing-in ceremony of BJP legislator Nemcha Kipgen as deputy chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday has unleashed a fresh wave of political turmoil across the state's already fragile ethnic landscape. The event has transformed Kipgen's identity into a fiercely contested political battleground, revealing deep-seated divisions within the region's tribal communities.
Protests and Social Boycott by Kuki Zo Groups
Immediately following the ceremony, the Kuki Zo Council announced a comprehensive social boycott targeting all community MLAs who participated in forming the new government. Demonstrators took to the streets in Kangpokpi district, blocking major roads by burning tires in a dramatic display of dissent that continued late into Wednesday evening.
The Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), an organization tracing its origins to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's leadership in the Azad Hind Fauz, escalated tensions by declaring a total shutdown across all Kuki Zo-dominated areas scheduled for Friday. Further amplifying the resistance, organizers announced plans for a mass protest rally in Churachandpur specifically opposing Kuki Zo MLAs' involvement in the Manipur government formation.
Thadou Tribe's Historic Celebration with Identity Directive
In stark contrast to the protests, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), representing the apex body of the Thadou tribe, extended congratulations to Kipgen for her historic appointment as the first Thadou individual to hold this constitutional office. However, their celebration came with a sharp and unambiguous directive: Kipgen must publicly reject the "Kuki" identity and completely disassociate herself from any separatist narratives.
The Thadou organization clarified its position regarding tribal classifications in Manipur, specifically referencing the "Any Kuki Tribes (AKT)" category documented in the 2011 Census. TIM emphasized that Kipgen possesses an official Thadou tribe certificate and was elected from the General (Kangpokpi) constituency, not under the AKT classification.
"Deputy chief minister Nemcha's identity must be stated with absolute clarity: she is Thadou, not Kuki, nor a political representative of Kuki ideology," declared TIM in their official statement. The organization insisted she "must fearlessly and unequivocally reject Kuki ideology and separatist agendas while fully embracing her distinct Thadou identity."
Security Concerns and Community Understanding
TIM issued a stern warning regarding potential security implications, stating, "There must be no intimidation, targeting, or obstruction of her presence in Imphal." The organization highlighted that a Thadou-Meitei community understanding has been successfully established, enabling Thadou individuals to move freely and without fear throughout Imphal and other valley regions.
"Peace must not be disturbed through misidentification or misrepresentation of identity," the statement concluded, underscoring the delicate balance currently maintained in the region.
Political Landscape and Militant Warning
The current Manipur legislative assembly includes ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, with seven belonging to the BJP party. Alongside Kipgen, two additional Kuki-Zo legislators—LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate—participated in Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan.
Adding to the volatile situation, the Kuki Liberation Army issued what they described as a "clear and final warning" declaring that any Kuki Zo representative joining the government would be considered to have betrayed their community. This militant statement further complicates the already tense political environment surrounding Kipgen's appointment and the broader ethnic dynamics in Manipur.
