Imphal: The Save Indigenous People of Manipur (SIPOM) wants Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand out. They claim his administration botched the job of protecting indigenous residents from a mounting crisis. SIPOM blames the chaos on illegal immigration and says past and present leaders ignored the problem. The group cites the violence starting May 3, 2023, as proof of this failure.
The death toll remains grim. SIPOM reports 139 Meiteis dead since the unrest began, with another 32 people still missing. The organization also lists killings of Liangmai Naga, Tangkhul Naga, Rongmei Naga, Chiru, and Thadou individuals. Houses have not been spared. Around 100 homes were torched in villages including K. Lungwiram, Thonglang Naga Village, Langka, Tokpa Liangmai Naga, Liangmai Taphou, Tapon Khullen, Tapon Khunou, Makui Pipuram, Chawangkining, Makui Chamriupiu, Makui Thanamba, and Makui Thebram.
SIPOM points to Kamjong district, accusing armed Kuki groups arriving from Myanmar of raiding border villages. These coordinated strikes at Namlee, Wanglee, and Z Choro occurred on May 7, 2026. The group is now calling for a tougher security stance along the international border. They view incidents in the Koubru hill range, Litan, and Kamjong as a land grab attempt. "The present government of failing to adequately protect indigenous communities and alleged that its approach had undermined efforts to address the issue of outsiders and illegal immigration," the group stated.
They fear history is repeating itself. SIPOM warns that the current trend mirrors the 1992 displacement of Naga communities from Moreh. They insist that the current government lacks the will to fix the situation. The group now demands Khemchand step down to make room for new leadership capable of securing the state.
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