United Naga Council, UNC, Nemcha Kipgen, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Manipur Governor, Deputy Chief Minister, Six Naga civilians, Leilon Vaiphei killings, KNF-P, UPF, UAPA, Article 164, Constitutional Morality, Manipur Politics, Manipur Conflict
Imphal, July 21: The United Naga Council (UNC) has formally petitioned Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, seeking the immediate dismissal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the Council of Ministers, alleging that her continuance in office constitutes a serious constitutional conflict of interest in connection with the ongoing investigation into the killing of six Naga civilians in May this year.
In a petition submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district on July 21, the apex Naga body invoked the principles of "constitutional morality" and requested the Governor to exercise his constitutional authority under Article 164(1) of the Constitution to remove the Deputy Chief Minister.
The petition follows an earlier memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on June 12, which, according to the UNC, did not receive any executive action.
Describing the matter as an "urgent constitutional crisis," the UNC argued that the State's criminal justice system has been compromised by what it termed an "irreconcilable structural conflict of interest" at the highest level of the executive.
The organisation contended that the alleged conflict has hindered the impartial functioning of investigative agencies probing the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026.
According to the petition, the case was initially registered as Zero FIR No. 00(7)(5)2026 SEK-PS and later transferred as FIR No. 23(5)2026-GSPM-PS. The UNC stated that investigators have invoked Section 16(1)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), treating the offences as acts of terrorism.
The petition alleges that the Kuki National Front-President Group (KNF-P), functioning under the umbrella of the United People's Front (UPF), is the principal organisation implicated in the case.
The UNC further claimed that ST Thangboi Kipgen, whom it identified as Chairman of the UPF and President of the KNF-P, is the spouse of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
Based on this alleged relationship, the organisation argued that an inherent conflict of interest exists because the Deputy Chief Minister continues to serve in the State Cabinet while investigations into the organisation are ongoing.
The petition also noted that the area where the alleged offences occurred falls within her political constituency and administrative sphere of influence.
Referring to the oath taken by ministers under the Third Schedule of the Constitution, the UNC argued that public office holders are expected to discharge their duties "without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."
The organisation maintained that law enforcement agencies cannot conduct a fully impartial investigation into a group whose alleged leader is closely related to a serving Deputy Chief Minister.
According to the petition, this situation undermines public confidence in the rule of law, compromises the independence of investigative agencies, and weakens the credibility of the State's executive institutions.
The UNC also contended that the Deputy Chief Minister's continued presence in the Cabinet amounts to an institutional conflict that is incompatible with the doctrine of constitutional morality.
In its petition, the United Naga Council urged Governor Bhalla to:
Exercise powers under Article 164(1) of the Constitution to secure the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the Council of Ministers.
Restore what it described as the constitutional machinery necessary for a free, fair and politically independent investigation into the killing of the six Naga civilians.
Expedite consideration of the UNC Charter of Demands submitted to the State Government on June 12, 2026.
The organisation stated that it was approaching the Governor after its earlier representation to the Chief Minister did not result in corrective action.
As of filing this report, neither the Office of the Governor nor the Government of Manipur has issued an official response to the UNC's petition. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has also not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the memorandum.
The investigation into the killing of the six Naga civilians remains ongoing. Several arrests have already been made in the case, while law enforcement agencies continue efforts to apprehend the remaining accused.
