Former Member of Parliament from Manipur, Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze, has stepped down from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), ending his association with the party that gave him his entry into national politics. In a resignation letter addressed to the NPF president on September 11, Pfoze stated that he was relinquishing his “primary and active membership” of the party, citing personal reasons. Pfoze, a 65-year-old doctor-turned-politician from the Mao Naga community, hails from Manipur’s Senapati district. In his letter, he acknowledged that the decision was not an easy one but expressed gratitude to the NPF for the opportunities he had received during his political journey. “I deeply appreciate the trust and support extended to me by the party, which allowed me to serve in various capacities as an active member,” he wrote.
Pfoze first rose to prominence in 2019 when he was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha as the representative from the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency. His victory under the NPF banner was seen as a significant development for the party, which has historically maintained a strong presence in Naga-dominated areas of Manipur. Known for his calm demeanour and professional background as a medical doctor, Pfoze was often regarded as a bridge between the political and social aspirations of the Naga community. During his tenure, he raised issues concerning tribal rights, connectivity in hill districts, and healthcare infrastructure in Parliament.
The resignation comes at a time when political alignments in Manipur remain fluid, with shifting loyalties ahead of the next electoral cycle. While Pfoze has not indicated whether he intends to retire from politics altogether or join another party, observers say his exit is a setback for the NPF in Manipur, particularly in Senapati and surrounding areas where he commanded considerable goodwill.
