Protesters storm Kuki MLA’s residence, cops rain tear gas shells

A mass protest rally in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Thursday attempted to storm the residence of MLA LM Khaute, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells to control the situation.
Reports said that the rally was organized by the Vaiphei Women Association to protest against Khaute’s support for the formation of the Y Khemchand-led government. Protesters demanded the immediate resignation of the MLA, accusing him of acting against the interests of the Vaiphei (Kuki) tribe.
The demonstration began with a sit-in at the Vaiphei Community Centre before moving toward the MLA’s residence on Thangjan Road. Protesters chanted slogans condemning Khaute for “betraying the trust” of his community. When they attempted to breach security barricades, a scuffle ensued, prompting police and security forces to fire multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd. No major injuries were reported.
A leader of the Vaiphei Women Association said the protest was organized in response to Khaute’s decision to align with the government, which she described as unacceptable to the tribe. She warned that protests would intensify if the MLA did not resign.
MLA LM Khaute, who represents the Churachandpur Assembly Constituency, is one of the Kuki legislators who supported the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh. He, along with another local MLA, joined BJP lawmakers at Imphal Lok Bhavan on February 4 to stake a claim for government formation.