Senapati, July 21, 2026: The United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted a constitutional petition to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, seeking the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the Council of Ministers over what it described as an “irreconcilable structural conflict of interest.”
The three-page petition, signed by UNC President Ng. Lorho and General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, was submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district. The organisation urged the Governor to exercise his constitutional discretion under Article 164(1) of the Constitution, under which ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
The UNC said its petition followed an earlier memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on June 12, 2026, which, according to the council, had remained unanswered.
The petition relates to the alleged abduction and killing of six unarmed Naga civilians at Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026. The UNC claimed that the case is being investigated under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to the petition, the offences were initially registered under Zero FIR No. 00(7)(5)2026 SEK-PS and were subsequently transferred as FIR No. 23(5)2026-GSPM-PS. It stated that Section 16(1)(b) of the UAPA had been invoked, thereby treating the alleged offences as acts of terrorism.
The UNC alleged that the Kuki National Front-President Group, or KNF-P, operating under the umbrella of the United Peoples’ Front, was the principal accused organisation in the case.
Highlighting what it called a structural conflict within the state administration, the council alleged that the chairman of the UPF and president of the KNF-P is ST Thangboi Kipgen, whom it identified as the husband of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The UNC argued that the alleged relationship between a serving Cabinet minister and the head of an organisation named in a UAPA case raises serious concerns about the independence and credibility of the investigation.
“The integrity of the state’s executive and investigative machinery is fundamentally nullified by an undeniable familial and operational nexus at the Cabinet level,” the petition stated.
The council further alleged that the area where the incidents reportedly took place falls within the political constituency and administrative sphere of the Deputy Chief Minister, adding another dimension to the alleged conflict of interest.
Referring to the constitutional oath taken by ministers, the UNC said every minister is bound to act without fear, favour, affection or ill will and to uphold the Constitution and the law.
It contended that the Manipur Police and other investigating agencies may not be able to conduct a free, fair and unhindered investigation when the spouse of a leader of an accused organisation holds a senior position in the state government.
The UNC alleged that Nemcha Kipgen’s continued presence in the Cabinet could be perceived as providing an “institutional shield” to the KNF-P and could undermine public confidence in the investigation and the rule of law.
Invoking the doctrine of constitutional morality, the council maintained that persons holding high constitutional and public offices must remain free from conflicts that could jeopardise state security, citizens’ fundamental rights and the impartial administration of justice.
The petition requested the Governor to secure the immediate dismissal of Nemcha Kipgen from the Council of Ministers and restore what the UNC termed the constitutional machinery of the state, enabling a politically uncompromised investigation into the deaths of the six Naga civilians.
It also urged the Governor to expedite action on the UNC’s Charter of Demands submitted on June 12, 2026.
Copies of the petition were forwarded to Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, the Director General of the National Investigation Agency and Manipur Director General of Police Rajiv Singh.
The UNC said the Chief Minister had been formally notified about the constitutional issue, while the Chief Secretary was requested to place the alleged conflict before the Cabinet. The NIA and the Manipur Police were also asked to ensure that the investigation remains federally supervised, secure and free from political interference.
The allegations and demands contained in the petition represent the position of the United Naga Council. No response from Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the KNF-P or the Manipur government was included in the document.
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