Manipur's Political Turmoil: Deputy CM Calls for Action Against Kuki Militant Group

Allegations of Involvement in Violence

Imphal: Losii Dikho, the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, expressed his firm belief on Wednesday that a Kuki militant faction, led by the husband of fellow Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, played a role in the recent murders of Naga community members. He urged her to either resign or leverage her influence to halt the ongoing violence.

In an exclusive interview, Dikho referenced discussions with individuals who had been freed from captivity as the foundation for his claims. He also mentioned that representatives from the Centre and various political entities are engaging with Naga legislators in the state to facilitate a resolution regarding their demands for action against Kipgen.

Nemcha Kipgen's husband, Thangboi Kipgen, is the leader of the Kuki National Front (President), or KNF(P), which is part of a tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement involving the central government, the Manipur administration, and Kuki armed factions.

The investigation into the abduction and murder of six Naga men during a hostage situation involving the Naga and Kuki communities earlier this year is currently being conducted by the National Investigation Agency. Kipgen has previously denied any allegations of collusion with militant groups.

The geographical divide is stark, with Senapati being predominantly Naga and Kangpokpi primarily Kuki-Zo, leading to heightened tensions that have reached the upper echelons of state governance.

Dikho held the KNF(P) accountable for the violence in Kangpokpi district, stating, "She (Nemcha Kipgen) should declare, 'I am the deputy chief minister of the state. Why should my husband's organization be involved in fighting and killing people?'"

He further insisted, "If she does not wish to resign, she must immediately instruct her husband's group to cease hostilities against the Naga community." Dikho, who has served three terms as an MLA from the Naga People's Front in Mao, emphasized the urgency of the situation.

The public discord between the two deputy chief ministers, appointed under the BJP-led government of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh since February, has been laid bare. Dikho represents the Naga community, Kipgen the Kuki, and Khemchand the Meitei, reflecting an attempt to maintain ethnic balance in the conflict-ridden northeastern state.

Dikho and seven other Naga MLAs out of nine reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in late August, demanding action against Kipgen, the arrest of Kuki militant leaders implicated in attacks on Nagas, and the cancellation of the SoO agreement.

The SoO agreement, which was renegotiated in September 2025, lapsed in September this year without renewal. Despite the absence of a new agreement, officials indicated that both the Union government and Kuki groups are adhering to the original terms.

Dikho noted that there has been "some movement" towards addressing the concerns of Naga MLAs, who have warned that their support for the BJP-led government could wane if violence against their community continues.

When questioned about the evidence linking the KNF(P) to the killings, Dikho asserted, "Individuals who were released from abduction shared information with me. They detailed the circumstances surrounding the abductions and subsequent releases, making it clear who was involved. There is no doubt about it."

He stated that it is up to the Central leadership to determine Kipgen's future as deputy chief minister.

"Why is she silent? She has never publicly stated her desire to end this conflict. She has never made such a declaration," he remarked.

Dikho claimed that attempts to reach Kipgen during the time the six Naga men were missing were unsuccessful.

"When those six Naga brothers were taken, we tried to contact her, but we were unable to. This is why we are so dissatisfied with her," he explained.

When asked why the legislators remained in government nearly two months after expressing their concerns, Dikho mentioned, "Some individuals are attempting to establish contact with us to foster understanding on this matter. I prefer not to disclose who is reaching out at this time, but there is some progress."

He elaborated that negotiations are underway, although he refrained from sharing specific details.

"We must respect those who are approaching us for discussions and trying to comprehend our stance," he added.

When asked if he believed the Central government was working towards a resolution, Dikho affirmed, "Yes. Some representatives and political agencies are engaging with us."

He did not specify who was making contact or what proposals were being discussed.

Regarding whether Kipgen's removal was non-negotiable, he stated, "That is contingent on the party leadership."

He maintained that her appointment was determined by the Central leadership, leaving Khemchand with limited influence. "I trust that our home minister, prime minister, and leaders in Delhi are attentive to our concerns," he said. "However, we recognize that it takes time for them to act."

The renewed conflict between the Naga and Kuki communities has added another layer to the ethnic violence in Manipur, which initially erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups in May 2023.

When asked if the current conditions were suitable for assembly elections, expected early next year, Dikho replied, "If the situation remains as it is, it will be very challenging. I have expressed this before, and I still hold that view."

Nonetheless, he argued that the majority of people desire elections, suggesting that announcing polls could help alleviate tensions.

"The atmosphere could shift because people want to engage in elections," he stated.

Dikho speculated that the delay in expanding Khemchand's cabinet might be linked to the Central leadership's considerations regarding elections, although he admitted he was unaware of the specific reasons.

"Perhaps they are waiting. Perhaps they are contemplating the upcoming elections," he suggested.

On reconciliation efforts, Dikho mentioned that the government is in talks with community and church leaders. Some Kuki groups have responded positively, although no tangible results have emerged yet.

He endorsed the security operation at the SoO-designated Sinai camp in Kangpokpi, where security forces found only one of the 159 registered cadres present before taking control of the site. Officials have announced an audit of all 14 designated camps.

When asked about allegations of NSCN(IM) involvement in the violence from Kuki organizations, Dikho stated he had not observed any official or widespread participation from the organization but did not dismiss the possibility of individual members supporting local volunteers.

"There could be NSCN members among those aiding their own villagers. We cannot entirely rule out that possibility," he concluded.