Nine Naga MLAs in Manipur, led by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, have formally requested the central government take punitive action against Kuki-Zo leaders, including fellow Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The demand was made in a letter hand-delivered to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 29.

The letter urges the immediate arrest of Thangboi Kipgen, leader of the Kuki National Front (Presidential) faction and husband of Deputy Chief Minister Kipgen, in connection with the deaths of six Naga men. It also calls for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with 25 Kuki-Zo rebel groups in 2008, citing repeated violations. The MLAs have warned that they may be forced to withdraw their support from the BJP-led state government if their demands are not met.

Political Context

The letter comes against the backdrop of a new state government formed in February 2025, following the lifting of President's Rule, with representation from the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meitei, leads the government, while Kipgen (Kuki-Zo) and Dikho (Naga) serve as Deputy Chief Ministers.

The signatories, which include legislators from the Naga People's Front (NPF), the BJP, the National People's Party, and an Independent, represent a significant political force. They have expressed deep concern over the current situation, describing it as a "human tragedy" that has reached a "critical and volatile stage." As reported by Hindustan Times, at least four Naga civilians were killed in an ambush on Thursday, and there are reports of two Kuki men killed in Kangpokpi on Monday. The letters from the MLAs demand a decisive response to prevent the state from descending into further instability.