Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Naga advocacy groups have rejected demands to oust Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho. The United Naga Council, Naga Students’ Federation, and Naga Women’s Union labeled the Committee on Tribal Unity’s call for his removal as politically motivated. These groups argue the demand distracts from documented aggression against Naga communities. They contrast Dikho’s record with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, whose husband, Semtinthang Kipgen, heads the Kuki National Front (KNF-P).
Tensions escalated following a series of violent incidents. The UNC alleges that Kuki militants launched unprovoked attacks on a Naga village at Tazeikaphun for three consecutive days starting October 29, 2026. Three Kuki cadres reportedly died in the resulting fire fight on October 31. The council stated, "Shri L Dikho is a leader serving for the welfare of the public, irrespective of communities, and has been tirelessly and sincerely working for the restoration of peace in the state."
Separately, the Kangpokpi district remains under a multi-day shutdown. The Committee on Tribal Unity extended the protest to denounce the state's failure to address the killing of two Kuki youths, whose mutilated bodies were found in Senapati district on November 2. Goods-laden trucks remain stranded as police deploy additional personnel to contain the unrest.
The UNC also raised alarms regarding the investigation into those deaths. They questioned the role of Additional Superintendent of Police Thangkhochon Haokip, accusing him of procedural lapses and bias. Furthermore, the council reported that armed individuals burned multiple houses in the Maram village of T. Khullen at 3:30 PM on November 1. They claim this occurred in the presence of central security forces and Kangpokpi Police. The Naga groups now demand the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant outfits, citing their alleged involvement in land encroachment and violence.
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