Efforts to build a new pan-Northeast political platform have sparked significant unrest within the National People’s Party (NPP) in Manipur, with senior state leaders openly expressing dissatisfaction over the direction and leadership changes linked to the proposed alliance. The initiative—driven by leaders from NPP and the Tipra Motha—has been criticised for taking on what Manipur leaders describe as a “tribal-centric” approach, creating concerns among members representing the valley population.
Tensions intensified after the Manipur unit underwent a sudden overhaul on Saturday. Former Outer Manipur MP Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze, who joined the NPP recently, was unexpectedly elevated to the post of state president, replacing senior leader and former deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Joykumar revealed that the abrupt reshuffle took place barely 24 hours after a Manipur NPP delegation met the party’s national leadership in Shillong. The meeting was held to discuss details of the proposed pan-Northeast political entity. According to Joykumar, the leadership change happened without consulting senior state members, contradicting earlier remarks by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who had insisted that NPP does not operate under a high-command structure.
Joykumar said the Manipur delegation raised several sensitive issues during the Shillong meeting, including Manipur’s territorial integrity, demands for separate administrative arrangements in Kuki-majority areas, delimitation proposals favouring hill regions, the Sixth Schedule demand, and the ST status demand for Meiteis. However, the national leadership reportedly responded that these matters could be “settled through the election manifesto,” which the Manipur leaders felt sidelined the concerns of Meiteis and valley communities.
Joykumar noted that it is premature to decide on any major political shift but affirmed that their priority remains safeguarding Manipur’s interests. A final decision will be taken after broad consultations with party workers and local residents.
