The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has strongly refuted the allegation made by former MP Lorho S. Pfoze, who reportedly described the party as a “highly exclusive political party” with “no room for members from other communities” in statements published in sections of newspapers on September 16, 2025.
Terming the allegation “factually incorrect, misleading, and unfortunate,” the NPF said it was particularly dismayed as the remark came from someone who had himself been the official NPF candidate for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in the 2019 elections.
The party pointed out that “Dr. Pfoze had been relatively unknown beyond his immediate circle before 2019, but the NPF had taken the bold decision to nominate him after extensive consultation and groundwork.” It added that the party “invested its resources, energy, and manpower to ensure his victory, which he achieved with a margin of about 80,000 votes — a feat made possible because NPF reached out to all sections of society, not just the Nagas.”
Clarifying the demographic composition of the Outer Manipur Parliamentary seat, the party stated that it comprises 27 Assembly Constituencies — “11 predominantly Naga, 9 predominantly Kuki-Zoumi, and 7 Meitei-Muslim dominated.” The NPF said, “Dr. Lorho secured votes from Meitei, Muslim, Kuki, and Zoumi communities in addition to Naga voters.”
The NPF further highlighted its organisational base in Manipur, which includes six divisions — Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Churachandpur and Sadar Hills — with the last two being predominantly Kuki-Zoumi areas.
It noted that “all office bearers of the Churachandpur Division have been from the Kuki and Zoumi communities,” and that the “Sadar Hills Division has previously had Kuki presidents such as Chongloi (two terms) and Thanboi Haokip (one term).” The party also cited Sepu Haokip, “a Kuki leader who served as Manipur State Unit Vice President for three terms and contested twice as an official NPF candidate, narrowly losing both times.”
“These facts clearly demonstrate that NPF is not exclusive to any one community but works with all sections of the population for peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding,” the statement said, adding that “more than 70,000 Meitei and Muslim voters supported the NPF candidate in the 2024 MP elections.”
The party described Dr. Pfoze’s remarks as showing “a regrettable ignorance” of the party’s organisational structure, policies, and close relationship with every community in Manipur, and said “as a former MP he should have acknowledged the contribution of the diverse electorate that sent him to Parliament.”
Reaffirming its stand, the NPF stated that it “will continue to remain a platform for all communities, irrespective of tribe, faith, or background, to work collectively for lasting peace and development in Manipur.”
