Manipur is facing renewed unrest following the appointment of Nemcha Kipgen as one of the state's two Deputy Chief Ministers on February 4, 2026. The appointment of Kipgen, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from the Kangpokpi constituency and a member of the Kuki community, has triggered protests, particularly in Kuki-majority areas, coinciding with the commencement of the Manipur Legislative Assembly's new session.
The selection of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the new Chief Minister of Manipur, following a period of President's Rule that began in February 2025 amidst ongoing ethnic violence, was already a delicate undertaking. The addition of Kipgen, along with Losii Dikho of the Naga People's Front, as Deputy Chief Ministers, was intended to foster inclusivity. However, it has instead ignited fresh controversy.
Protests have erupted, with demonstrators blocking roads and setting tires ablaze in areas like Kangpokpi district. A dawn-to-dusk shutdown was called by the Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), an umbrella organization representing various Kuki-Zo groups, across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas to protest Kipgen's participation in the government and what they perceive as the central government's prioritization of government formation over their demands for a separate administration or Union Territory. The Kuki-Zo Council has warned legislators from the community against joining the government without a collective consensus, stating that they would be solely responsible for their actions if they defy the community's decision.
Nemcha Kipgen, born on November 1, 1965, has been a Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from Kangpokpi since 2017. She has previously served as Minister for Social Welfare and Cooperation (2017-2020) and as Cabinet Minister for Textiles, Commerce and Industry in the previous Biren Singh ministry. Despite her experience and her previous roles in government, her recent appointment has been met with resistance from within her own community. Some Kuki groups believe that by accepting the position, she has betrayed their cause, particularly the demand for a separate administrative arrangement following the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. During that period, Kipgen's official residence in Imphal was set on fire. She is also among the Kuki-Zo MLAs who have demanded a separate administrative arrangement for the hill areas.
Adding another layer of complexity, Thadou Inpi Manipur, has congratulated Kipgen on her appointment, terming it a "historic" moment for the Thadou tribe. However, they urged her to reject Kuki identity and dissociate herself from separatist agendas.
The current unrest underscores the deep-seated ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities that have plagued Manipur. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who is from the Meitei community, is considered a moderate leader who has attempted to foster dialogue and peace-building efforts, including being the first Meitei leader to visit Kuki-majority areas and relief camps after the outbreak of violence. However, the appointment of Kipgen, intended to bridge divides, has instead become a focal point for existing grievances and demands.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the new government can navigate these challenges and work towards restoring stability and fostering reconciliation in the state.