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.

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The appointment was confirmed through an official statement issued by NPP national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Alongside Pfoze’s elevation, three legislators — Thongam Shanti Singh, J. Pamei and Sheikh Noorul Hassan — have been named working presidents of the State unit. Party leaders said the restructuring is intended to strengthen the organisation and improve coordination within the NPP’s grassroots network.

Pfoze represented Outer Manipur in the 17th Lok Sabha and joined the NPP in Shillong in September this year after resigning from the Naga People’s Front (NPF). His induction and swift ascent within the NPP are being seen as part of the party’s renewed push to expand its influence in Manipur’s hill and valley regions.

Political observers believe the leadership reshuffle signals a strategic phase for the NPP as it looks to consolidate its position in Manipur ahead of future electoral contests, including municipal and Assembly elections. The party is expected to build its campaign on themes of regional representation, governance reforms and indigenous identity.

The NPP currently has six MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, positioning it as a significant force in the State’s fast-shifting political landscape. The revamped leadership team is expected to begin statewide coordination meetings shortly.

Pfoze, in an informal statement to supporters, said he would prioritise organisational consolidation, outreach to tribal and minority groups and strengthening dialogue across communities.

With the fresh appointments, the NPP aims to enhance both its electoral preparedness and internal decision-making structure.

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This is Bhagwat’s first visit to Manipur since the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began in May 2023. His last trip to the state was in 2022. The RSS chief will interact with citizens, entrepreneurs, youth groups, and tribal community representatives during multiple sessions across Imphal.

Sharma said the visit will include meetings with entrepreneurs and eminent individuals at Konjeng Leikai on the day of his arrival. On 21 November, Bhagwat will hold a separate session with tribal leaders from Manipur’s hill districts. These engagements aim to strengthen dialogue during a sensitive period in the state.

When asked if Bhagwat will visit relief camps where thousands remain displaced, Sharma said this is not part of the official schedule. He clarified that the itinerary is mostly internal to the organisation.

More than 260 people have died since the ethnic clashes broke out. Thousands continue to live in relief camps. The Centre imposed President’s Rule earlier this year after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The Manipur Assembly remains under suspended animation.

During his visit to Guwahati on Tuesday, Bhagwat said anyone who takes pride in “Bharat” is a Hindu. He described “Hindu” as a civilisational identity and claimed India does not need a formal declaration to be a “Hindu rashtra.”

The Mohan Bhagwat Manipur visit is expected to draw significant attention as tensions remain high in the state.

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Community leaders said that the Kuki Zo UT demand remains non-negotiable, arguing that separate administration is essential for security, governance and long-term stability. They stressed that returning to a unified political system without a permanent solution could trigger renewed tension and erode the fragile trust between communities.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, following nearly two years of violence that killed more than 260 people and displaced over 50,000. While recent military and administrative steps have lowered open hostilities, large sections of the population remain separated and unable to return home.

According to representatives, the Kuki Zo UT demand is rooted in concerns over safety, political representation and territorial control. They stated that they continue to engage in “constitutional dialogue,” but will not join or endorse any government until the Centre declares a clear and time-bound resolution framework.

The development also comes amid talk of possible leadership changes within the state BJP unit. However, Kuki-Zo groups clarified that leadership reshuffles or fresh alliances cannot replace structural guarantees.

As New Delhi weighs its next move, the situation in Manipur remains politically sensitive, socially fractured and dependent on Centre-driven peace mechanisms.

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