Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and his two deputies, Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, are expected to meet in Delhi on Wednesday, marking their first in-person meeting in several months. The three leaders have reportedly been called to Delhi at the direction of the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership amid continuing tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in the state.
Dikho represents the Naga community, while Kipgen represents the Kukis. The two deputy chief ministers have reportedly remained at odds as sporadic violence between the two communities continues. Their strained relationship has also affected the functioning of the state government.
Last month, Naga lawmakers boycotted proceedings of the Manipur Assembly, refusing to share space with Kipgen, who participated virtually because she has not yet returned to Imphal amid the unresolved Kuki-Meitei conflict.
On September 1, Dikho and eight other Naga lawmakers wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking action against Kipgen and her husband. They alleged that the couple was linked to Kuki militant groups and was obstructing the peace process. The lawmakers also warned that they could withdraw support from the BJP-led coalition government.
The BJP government was formed this year after President’s Rule was lifted, with an attempt to ensure representation for the state’s three major communities. Meitei leader Khemchand Singh became chief minister, while Kipgen and Dikho were appointed his deputies.
According to people familiar with the developments, the three leaders may also meet Amit Shah and other senior BJP leaders in Delhi. One person said the discussions could focus on three major issues: tensions between Naga and Kuki lawmakers, the proposed National Register of Citizens and the Census, and the renewal of the Suspension of Operations agreement.
The Census has become controversial in Manipur, with demands from some groups that it be postponed until an NRC exercise is carried out. The issue is linked to wider concerns over migration and demographic changes in the state.
Another major concern is the Suspension of Operations pact with Kuki-Zo groups, which expired on September 30. Naga lawmakers have alleged that groups covered under the agreement are involved in Naga-Kuki violence. Kipgen has denied the allegations and said she has been working to ease tensions.
Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence since 2023. According to figures given by the state government, at least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing since the conflict began.
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