Violence Erupts in Manipur Following Formation of New Government: Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen at Center of Controversy

Imphal, February 10, 2026: Hopes for peace in Manipur after the formation of a new government on February 4 were short-lived, as tensions quickly resurfaced in the hill districts. The focus of the latest unrest is Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The Kuki organizations insist that no Kuki leader should join the government, while the Thadou tribe has expressed support for her.

Ethnic Tensions Trigger Clashes
The renewed anger stems from long-standing tribal and ethnic disputes in the state. After Yumnam Khemchand Singh, from the Meitei community, took oath as Chief Minister, the cabinet included Deputy CMs Losi Dikho from the Naga community and Nemcha Kipgen from the Kuki community. While Nemcha Kipgen’s appointment was intended to maintain ethnic balance, it sparked outrage among the Kuki-Zo community. The Kuki Liberation Army, an extremist group, even labeled Kuki MLAs who support the government as “traitors.”

Why the Kuki-Zo Community Opposes Nemcha Kipgen
Although Nemcha Kipgen belongs to the Kuki community, she is not universally recognized as a leader of the Kuki-Zo subgroup due to her connections with the Thadou tribe through her husband, S.T. Thangboi Kipgen, chairman of the Kuki National Front. The Thadou officially fall under the Kuki-Zo classification but do not identify as part of the Kuki-Zo community. At a 2024 Thadou convention in Guwahati, the community declared itself a separate ethnic group with its own language, culture, and traditions.

Nemcha Kipgen’s appointment pleased the Thadou community, which saw it as recognition of their ethnic identity, but angered the Kuki-Zo Council and tribal leaders, who oppose any Kuki participation in the Meitei-led government. Manipur has 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs—seven from the BJP and three from other parties—who are now facing pressure from extremist groups.

Geography and Demographics of the State’s Tribes
Manipur’s hill districts are home to over 30 tribal communities, including the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribes, comprising around 42% of the state’s 2.855 million population as per the 2011 Census. The Meitei community, which forms over 50% of the population, resides mainly in the valley. Historically, the Kuki tribe has been concentrated in the hills and is known for its militant past. Previous ethnic conflicts, including clashes between the Thadou and Paite subgroups of the Kuki in 1997, resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Nagas Also Enter the Conflict
Following the resurgence of Kuki-Zo anger on February 4, the Naga community restricted Kuki movement into their areas, further escalating tensions. On Monday, attacks on the Tangkhul Naga community in Ukhrul district were reported, leading to fresh violence. By Tuesday morning, some houses in Ukhrul were set on fire again. In response, the state government suspended internet services in the district for five days to prevent further unrest.