Imphal: Differences have emerged between Manipur’s two Deputy Chief Ministers over the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho boycotted a Cabinet meeting scheduled for 5 pm at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday following a collective decision by the Naga Legislators’ Forum.
Dikho, who represents the Mao (ST) constituency and is a member of coalition partner Naga People’s Front (NPF), said he stayed away because Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen was attending the meeting.
Kipgen, a BJP leader who represents the Kangpokpi constituency, is a Kuki leader and the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. In a statement, Dikho said he did not consider it appropriate to attend Cabinet proceedings with people he accused of fueling unrest.
He alleged that Kipgen had breached her oath of office by leaking state secrets and colluding with her husband, Thangboi Kipgen, also known as Gen. ‘Tiger’ Kipgen, whom he identified as the leader of the militant group Kuki National Front (Presidential).
Dikho also blamed the militant group for the recent killing and mutilation of six Naga citizens, whose bodies remain unclaimed at a morgue.
Dikho said there had been a lack of action and silence from the state leadership regarding the allegations against Kipgen. He accused the couple of widening ethnic divisions instead of working to restore peace in Manipur.
Dikho said his decision to boycott the meeting should not be seen as a failure to carry out his responsibilities as a minister. He said he would continue working for the welfare of Manipur and for unity, peace and peaceful coexistence among all communities.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has not yet issued an official response to the differences between the two Deputy Chief Ministers.