Appointment of Pfoze as State NPP chief hailed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 24 2025: After the appointment of Dr Lorho S Pfoze as the new NPP Manipur State president invited strong criticism from former interim president, the party's spokesperson has defended the new appointment saying the decision was taken based on the present realities and considering the challenges facing the State.

Manipur at present needs a leader who can move freely and speak to all communities to bridge gaps.

Dr Lorho S Pfoze can do exactly this, NPP leader Lakpachui Siro said in a statement.

The appointment of the former MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze is aimed at bringing about inclusivity, strengthening unity and rebuilding trust among all communities, Siro said.

However, the appointment of the new president and three other working presidents was unfortunately not received in good spirit by former interim president, Y Joykumar Singh, as evident from his press conference held on November 24 at the party office in Imphal, Siro said.

"It is understandable that many leaders naturally wish to retain leadership positions.

However, it is deeply concerning when leadership discussions are framed on the basis of community identity, caste or creed," Siro said.

The National People's Party (NPP) has grown across the North Eastern region because people believe in its founding principle.

It is a party for all the people of the region, especially the indigenous communities, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities, and every citizen who aspire for development and progress within the Constitutional framework of our country, Siro said.

"History reminds us that leadership in Manipur has never belonged to one community alone," Siro said.

The first Chief Minister of Manipur after Statehood was from the Pangal (Muslim) community, and two other Chief Ministers belonged to the Tangkhul Naga community.

Late Rishang Keishing served as the Chief Minister five times.

Their leadership was supported not only by their own communities, but by people from every section of society.

Manipur has always shown that leadership rises above identity, and the people of Manipur have been the strongest example of embracing leaders beyond community boundaries, Siro said.

However, under Joykumar's interim leadership, 12 new members, solely from the Meitei community, were appointed to the party's youth wing.

"Is this the model of inclusiveness we wish to build for Manipur ? Shouldn't leadership encourage balanced representation and ensure that every community has a voice?" Siro asked.

The vision of Manipur must include the interests of the Hill Areas, which constitute 90% of the State's land and nearly 50% of the population; including tribal populations residing in the valley, Siro added.

The appointment of Dr Lorho S Pfoze should therefore be welcomed as an opportunity to strengthen unity and rebuild trust among all communities, Siro said.

As a former Member of Parliament representing the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, he carries experience working closely with the Naga, Meitei, Pangal and Kuki-Zo communities.

Outer Manipur includes 20 hill Constituencies and 8 valley Constituencies; a truly diverse representation.

At a time when divisions between major communities have reached a critical point, Manipur needs a leader who can move freely, speak to all, and rebuild bridges, Siro said.

The NPP National president's appointment of the State party president is grounded on the present realities and challenges of the State.

This decision opens the door for a more inclusive, cooperative and community-oriented leadership model for Manipur, Siro said.

"Let us rise above narrow interests and work together to rebuild Manipur with dignity, equality and mutual respect," Siro added.

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