IMPHAL, OCT 7 (NPN): Manipur chief minister Y. Khemchand Singh left Imphal for New Delhi Wednesday afternoon amid reports of BJP central leaders’ intervention to resolve the rift between his two deputy chief ministers.
Sources said deputy chief ministers Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen are also expected to travel to the national capital.
The chief minister had earlier sought an appointment with Union home minister Amit Shah and is likely to meet other BJP leaders to discuss issues facing the restive state.
According to Hindustan Times, the BJP leadership has summoned the chief minister and his deputies for a high‑level meeting.
If held, it would mark the first face‑to‑face interaction between Dikho and Kipgen since the rift surfaced.
The discord stems from demands by Naga civil society organisations (CSOs) for the removal of Nemcha Kipgen following the abduction and killing of six Naga members by Kuki armed groups in Kangpokpi district in May.
When the mutilated remains were recovered in June, the United Naga Council (UNC) accused cadres of Kipgen’s husband‑led KNF(P) militant group of involvement and pressed for her ouster.
On September 1, the Naga Legislators’ Forum, of which Dikho is a member, wrote to Amit Shah alleging collusion between Kipgen and Kuki militants and warning that her presence was hampering the peace process.
They threatened to withdraw support from the BJP‑led coalition government.
The rift widened when Naga legislators boycotted the last sitting of the Assembly session, refusing to share space with Kipgen, who attended virtually. Dikho also stayed away from three cabinet meetings attended by Kipgen online.
