Tensions within the Manipur government escalated on Thursday after Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho boycotted a scheduled Cabinet meeting at the Civil Secretariat, highlighting deep ethnic divisions among key political figures. Dikho, a Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader representing the Mao constituency, took the step following a collective decision by the Naga Legislators’ Forum in response to the presence of co-Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. Explaining his absence, Dikho stated it was inappropriate to attend proceedings alongside leaders he accused of exacerbating the state’s ongoing conflict. He leveled serious allegations against Kipgen—a BJP leader, Kuki community representative, and Manipur’s first female Deputy Chief Minister—accusing her of breaching her oath of office by leaking state secrets and colluding with her husband, Thangboi Kipgen (alias Gen. ‘Tiger’ Kipgen), head of the militant group Kuki National Front (Presidential). Furthermore, Dikho attributed the recent killing and mutilation of six Naga citizens to the militant group, criticizing the state leadership’s silence and inaction over these allegations. While asserting that the couple has deepened ethnic divides rather than promoting peace, Dikho clarified that his boycott does not reflect a neglect of ministerial duties, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of Manipur and peaceful coexistence among all communities. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has not yet issued an official statement regarding the rift between his two Deputy Chief Ministers.
Manipur Political Rift: Deputy CM Losii Dikho Boycotts Cabinet Meeting Over Differences with Nemcha Kipgen
