Imphal, February 6: Life in Churachandpur, Manipur, came to a halt on Friday as tribal groups observed a total shutdown in protest against the involvement of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the formation of the state government. Several rallies were held across the Kuki-Zo inhabited hill districts, with protesters halting vehicles in Churachandpur town and demanding the removal of these MLAs from the state government.

Shops, markets, banks, and educational institutions remained closed, and vehicles were off the roads. The shutdown was organized by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), and other Kuki-Zo tribal groups. Tensions escalated following clashes between protesters and security forces in Tuibong Bazaar, where baton charges and tear gas were used to disperse the crowd.

Protesters burned tires and raised slogans against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki-Zo MLA from the BJP. Five people were injured in the clashes. A heavy security presence has been deployed across Churachandpur and other hill districts to prevent further violence. The situation remains tense, with ongoing protests and intermittent clashes.