Security personnel deployed around a property following a violent clash between Tangkhul and Kuki tribes in Litan village of Ukhrul. | Photo credit: ANI
Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur unit spokesperson Elangbam Johnson resigned from the party on Friday (May 8, 2026) over alleged failure of the party leadership to address the ongoing ethnic crisis in the state.
Mr Johnson, who unsuccessfully contested the 2022 assembly elections from the Keishamthong constituency, told reporters in Manipur’s capital Imphal that he had consulted his supporters before deciding to quit the party. He said that the BJP has not been able to convince the people since May 2023 that it could bring peace.
The conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities erupted on May 3, 2023 and has claimed more than 260 lives and about 62,000 others in the past three years.
Mr Johnson criticized the BJP’s Manipur unit for its “inability to take decisions independently on matters concerning the state” and act decisively on them. He claimed that the state department lacks the authority to make decisions even in disciplinary matters.
Before entering politics, he was associated with United Committee Manipur, a civil society organization.
Attacks condemned
Several Manipur political parties and social organizations have condemned the May 7 attacks on Tangkhul Naga villages along the Indo-Myanmar border, allegedly by members of the Kuki National Army-Burma militant group.
The Congress and the National People’s Party (NPP) alleged that Kuki extremists were involved in the attacks in Kamjong district of the state and urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of civilians.
The United Naga Council, the apex body of all Naga tribes in Manipur, also condemned the cross-border attacks and criticized the “inaction” of central security forces deployed along the international border with Myanmar.
“Soldiers responded immediately”
Responding to the allegations, the paramilitary Assam Rifles said their troops responded immediately after heavy firing and explosions were reported near Z. Choro near the international border. Despite the volatile situation, soldiers moved into the affected area to protect civilians.
“During the operation, several rescue teams were deployed without delay. Ten violence-hit houses were secured and civilians evacuated. Fifteen affected villagers, including women and children, were safely rescued and rendered humanitarian aid at the Assam Rifles camp in Aloyo,” a defense ministry statement said on Friday.
The statement further said that the Assam Rifles conducted swift operations to sanitize the area to prevent further escalation and restore stability. The armed suspected member of NSCN(IM) was apprehended along with AK-47 rifle, magazine and ammunition during search operations and later handed over to local police authorities, he added.
“While tensions remained high, the Assam Rifles… continued their dominance patrols across other sensitive areas of Kamjong district to ensure peace and security for the residents,” the statement said, affirming the Assam Rifles’ commitment to protect Indian citizens and maintain peace along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Published – 08 May 2026 21:31 IST
