Manipur rights activist Malem Thongam has demanded the removal of 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs from the state legislative assembly, threatening to self-immolate outside Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s residence if his demands are not met within 10 days.
Thongam accused the Kuki-Zo legislators of being involved in the ongoing ethnic crisis in the state, specifically citing their push for a separate administration. “Despite their actions, no disciplinary steps have been taken by the government or the BJP against them,” he told reporters on Thursday.
The activist also criticized the ruling party for not revoking the primary membership of seven of the MLAs, who belong to the BJP. Thongam has submitted queries to both the Chief Minister and state BJP president A Sharda, questioning the lack of action against two Kuki-Zo cabinet ministers involved in the demand for a separate administration.
Manipur has been grappling with violent ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths.
