Manipur's fragile coalition government is cracking under the weight of renewed ethnic violence, with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho accusing his counterpart Nemcha Kipgen of going silent after a series of brutal abductions. The tension, simmering for weeks, now threatens to derail next year's state elections and destabilize the ruling alliance.

Key facts

  • Naga groups demand removal of Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen
  • Seven killed in recent Naga-Kuki violence in Kangpokpi district
  • Nine Naga MLAs wrote to Union Home Minister seeking action
  • 2027 Assembly elections at risk due to continuing violence

A Government Divided

The political fault lines mirror the ethnic divisions tearing through Manipur's hills. Mr. Dikho represents the Naga People's Front, allied with the ruling BJP, while Ms. Kipgen is a BJP MLA from the Kuki community. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, from the Meitei community, presides over this uneasy triumvirate.

Relations between the deputy CMs have completely broken down since mid-May, when six Nagas were abducted and killed by cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P). Mr. Dikho didn't mince words about who he holds responsible—or about his colleague's response.

"She refused to take calls after the Nagas were abducted [on May 13] and instead switched off her phone," Mr. Dikho said, his frustration palpable.

Elections at Risk

The violence isn't just costing lives—it's threatening democracy itself. Mr. Dikho warned that continuing clashes will make it "very difficult" to conduct Assembly elections in 2027, particularly in the hill districts where communities live in tense proximity.

Naga legislators have already threatened "extreme steps" if their concerns go unaddressed, including their demand for Ms. Kipgen's removal. They've written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but have yet to receive a response.

Security Challenges

Central security forces face an almost impossible task in the rugged terrain. Mr. Dikho acknowledged their handicap: "They want to protect both sides—the Nagas and the Kukis. So in between there is a firing, so they cannot intervene easily."

Remote villages lack proper roads, slowing response times. This has led communities to take self-defense into their own hands, with some receiving training from NSCN-IM groups—though Mr. Dikho denied knowledge of arms supplies.

With highway blockades disrupting supplies and tensions showing no signs of easing, Manipur's path to peace appears increasingly steep.