MNYO and FNCC have demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and announced democratic agitations after the expiry of their ultimatum.
Imphal, June 2: The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) and the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) on Monday issued a joint public rebuttal condemning a rally held in Kangpokpi on May 25 in support of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and reiterated their demand for her removal from the Tribal Affairs and Hills portfolio as well as from the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
In a statement addressed to the President of India, Prime Minister, BJP national leadership, RSS chief, Manipur Governor and Chief Minister, the two organisations described the Kangpokpi gathering as a “staged” event intended to defend the Deputy Chief Minister against allegations of corruption, discrimination and misuse of funds meant for tribal development.
The organisations said their memorandum and ultimatum submitted on May 23 was not directed against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Central Government or the State Government, but was aimed specifically at seeking action against the Deputy Chief Minister over what they termed as administrative and governance failures.
According to the statement, MNYO and FNCC have demanded that the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department be immediately taken away from Nemcha Kipgen and placed under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister or another authority. They also called for her removal from the office of Deputy Chief Minister.
The two organisations alleged that development funds earmarked for tribal communities were disproportionately directed towards Kuki-dominated areas while Naga villages across several districts were neglected. They claimed that such actions had contributed to growing mistrust and tensions among communities.
The statement further expressed concern over what it described as the politicisation of their demands during the Kangpokpi rally. The organisations said public discussions should focus on accountability and governance issues rather than political loyalty.
MNYO and FNCC also referred to allegations concerning the functioning of the Deputy Chief Minister’s office and sought an impartial investigation into matters they said required greater public transparency. The organisations maintained that the concerns raised by them deserved administrative attention rather than public dismissal.
A significant portion of the statement focused on allegations linking tribal development funds to unlawful activities. The organisations accused the Deputy Chief Minister of misusing public resources and claimed that funds intended for welfare and development had been diverted away from their intended beneficiaries.
The statement also raised allegations concerning Nemcha Kipgen’s husband, Semtinthang Kipgen, and referred to claims regarding his association with a Kuki armed group. The organisations argued that these allegations warranted closer scrutiny by the authorities.
However, no evidence was provided in the statement to substantiate the allegations, and there was no immediate response available from the Deputy Chief Minister regarding the claims made by the two organisations.
The organisations further alleged that the Deputy Chief Minister was operating outside the state capital and questioned what they described as the functioning of an alternative administrative arrangement from Kangpokpi district. They argued that such a situation was inconsistent with established administrative norms and called upon the State Government to address the matter.
The statement also referred to the abduction of 20 Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. MNYO and FNCC alleged that armed elements were responsible for the incident and claimed that the whereabouts of the abducted persons remained unknown.
The organisations expressed concern over reports regarding the fate of some of the abducted individuals and demanded that the Government provide clarity on the status of all those who were allegedly taken hostage. They called upon the authorities to ensure accountability and secure the release or recovery of those involved.
In addition to their criticism of the Deputy Chief Minister, the two organisations questioned the State Government’s engagement with the Kuki-Zo Council. They sought details regarding the outcomes of discussions held with the council and asked whether such engagements had contributed to peace, stability and reconciliation in Manipur.
The statement also reiterated objections to Nemcha Kipgen continuing to hold the Tribal Affairs and Hills portfolio while serious allegations remained unresolved. The organisations argued that the Government should review the matter and take appropriate action in the interest of public confidence.
Drawing a comparison with another issue that has previously generated public debate, the organisations referred to the case of Brinda Thounaojam and questioned what they described as differing standards being applied in matters concerning public appointments and public office. They called for consistency and equal treatment in the application of government policies and decisions.
The statement further said that the ultimatum issued by the organisations had expired on May 31 without any response or action from the State Government. According to MNYO and FNCC, the lack of action had compelled them to consider further democratic forms of protest.
Declaring that all administrative and diplomatic avenues had been exhausted, the two organisations announced plans to launch a series of public agitations across Naga-inhabited areas. They said the protests would be conducted through democratic means and would continue until their concerns were addressed.
The organisations warned that the Government’s failure to respond to their demands could lead to increased public mobilisation. They maintained that responsibility for any resulting political or law-and-order consequences would rest with those who failed to address the issues raised.
The latest statement comes amid continuing tensions and competing political narratives in Manipur, where various civil society organisations representing different communities have been making demands related to governance, security and representation in the wake of the prolonged ethnic conflict.
As of the filing of this report, there was no official response from Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen or the Manipur Government regarding the allegations and demands made in the joint statement. It also remains unclear whether the Government will engage with MNYO and FNCC following the expiry of their ultimatum.
The developments are likely to add to the ongoing political debate surrounding governance, tribal affairs and community relations in the state as different organisations continue to press for action on issues they consider central to the future of Manipur.
