Key tribal body lifts social boycott on Kuki-Zo MLAs who joined Manipur govt
Imphal, May 20
After more than three-and-a-half months, the Kuki-Zo Council, the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Wednesday lifted the social boycott imposed on all MLAs belonging to the community who participated in the formation of the Manipur government.
A day after the BJP-led government headed by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh assumed office following the withdrawal of President's Rule in Manipur, the KZC on February 5 had announced a social boycott against all Kuki-Zo MLAs who took part in the government formation process.
Initially, three of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs -- Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate -- were involved in the formation of the government.
Later, a few more legislators from the community also became associated with the process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the KZC announced that the social boycott imposed on all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in the formation of the Manipur government has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
"It may be recalled that the social boycott was declared on February 5, 2026, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Cabinet of the Kuki-Zo Council. Upon reviewing the matter in light of the prevailing situation and the pressing need for all to work and stand together, the Kuki-Zo Council, after due deliberation and through its meeting resolution, has decided to revoke the said social boycott," the apex tribal body said in the statement.
The KZC further stated that the social boycott imposed on the Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in the formation of the Manipur government stands cancelled from Wednesday.
Nemcha Kipgen, elected from the tribal-dominated Kangpokpi Assembly constituency, had taken oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi as Deputy Chief Minister.
She is the lone woman minister in the current Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Kipgen, who had also served as a Cabinet Minister in the previous government led by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, had earlier expressed gratitude to the BJP central leadership for appointing her as Deputy Chief Minister.
Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4, a day after the BJP announced him as the new Legislature Party leader.
The Council of Ministers headed by Khemchand Singh is expected to be expanded later, as seven ministerial berths are still vacant. The KZC had earlier alleged that by joining what it termed a "Meitei-dominated government", the MLAs concerned had betrayed the collective political stand and sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm glad this has been resolved, but I can't help feeling that the whole situation shows the deep fractures in our society. The KZC's initial reaction reflects the genuine pain and distrust many tribal communities feel. We need more dialogue and reconciliation at the grassroots level, not just top-down political decisions. 🙏
As an outsider looking in, this seems like a positive step. Social boycotts are harsh tools that punish entire families for political choices. Good to see the council recognized the 'pressing need' for unity. Hope this brings lasting peace to Manipur.
Democracy mein representatives ko boycott karna thoda zyada hi ho gaya tha. But I also understand the sentiment - these MLAs joined a government that the community sees as dominated by the other side. Tough balance. Hope this leads to better representation for Kuki-Zo people in the cabinet. 🤞
Impressive how the KZC was able to review and change its position. That takes maturity and leadership. The fact that Nemcha Kipgen is Deputy CM - a woman from a tribal community - is a positive development for representation. More women in leadership please! 💪
Ye toh politics ka typical khel hai yaar. Pehle boycott, phir cancel. Kuch bhi! But honestly, the real issue is why our tribal communities feel so alienated that they resort to such measures. The government should focus on genuine reconciliation, not just token gestures. #ManipurNeedsPeace
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