Naga groups are demanding the removal of Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, whose husband leads a Kuki faction accused of attacks. Ongoing hill‑district violence could jeopardise the 2027 Assembly polls, says Deputy CM Losi Dikho.

  • Naga groups demand removal of Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen
  • Allegations against Kuki National Front linked to recent abductions
  • Escalating hill‑district violence threatens 2027 state elections

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losi Dikho warned on Thursday that persistent Naga‑Kuki clashes in the hill districts will make the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections extremely difficult. He noted that Naga legislators may withdraw support from the BJP‑led government if their chief demand – the ouster of fellow Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen – is not met.

Political Pressure from Naga Legislators

Dikho, a member of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) allied with the ruling BJP, said he and nine Naga MLAs have submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding Kipgen’s removal. Kipgen’s husband, Thangboi Kipgen, heads the Kuki National Front (KNF‑P), an insurgent group accused of recent abductions and killings.

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Recent Violence and Casualties

In the past ten days, at least seven people from both communities have been killed in Kangpokpi district, where Naga and Kuki villages lie side by side. The flare‑up began after a Naga youth was assaulted in Ukhrul on February 7, sparking a cycle of retaliation.

Deputy CM’s Silence Under Scrutiny

Dikho alleged that after the May 13 abductions, Nemcha Kipgen “switched off her phone” and refused to engage with affected families, attending cabinet meetings only virtually. He questioned her lack of outreach while her husband’s group is implicated in the attacks.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that continued ethnic clashes in Manipur could destabilize the entire Northeast region, jeopardise central government’s security strategy, and set a precedent for other disputed border states.

"If the violence is not contained, the legitimacy of the 2027 elections will be seriously challenged," security analyst Dr. Rajesh Singh warned.

Historical Background

The current unrest echoes the 2023 Meitei‑Kuki‑Zo violence that displaced thousands. Underlying issues include contested land ownership, demographic shifts, and illegal immigration, all of which fuel recurring ethnic tensions.

Did You Know?: Manipur’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) update was first proposed in 2022, but its implementation was delayed until after the census.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will removing Kipgen end the violence?

A: Experts say it may be a symbolic step, but lasting peace requires addressing deeper land and identity disputes.

Q2: How has the central government responded?

A: Home Minister Amit Shah has yet to issue a formal reply, though additional central forces have been hinted at.