The National People’s Party (NPP) is facing renewed internal turbulence after national president Conrad K. Sangma appointed Dr. De Lorho S. Pfoze as the new president of the party’s Manipur unit. The decision has not gone down well with senior party leader and NPP national vice president Yumnam Joykumar Singh, who has openly expressed his displeasure, calling the move sudden and unexpected.
According to Joykumar, the announcement came “immediately after the Manipur team returned from Shillong,” leaving party workers and state leaders unsettled about the timing and manner of the leadership overhaul.
A Change That Caught Many Off Guard
Sources within the party said most state-level functionaries were unaware that a leadership reshuffle was being considered. Joykumar’s public objection — rare in the usually disciplined outfit — signals deeper unease inside the Manipur unit.
The former Manipur state president reportedly felt the decision bypassed consultation processes traditionally followed during major organisational changes. His statement reflects concerns that such abrupt changes may disrupt ongoing party activities and weaken organisational cohesion ahead of a politically sensitive period in the state.
New State President: Who Is Dr. De Lorho S. Pfoze?
Dr. De Lorho S. Pfoze, a well-known figure in Manipur’s political and social circles, has been entrusted with steering the NPP state unit through its next phase. A former MP (Outer Manipur), Dr. Pfoze brings experience, but his appointment has triggered questions about timing, strategy, and internal alignment.
Party insiders say he is expected to restructure the organisation, energise the grassroots, and rebuild the party’s foothold in Manipur — but the road ahead now includes addressing internal discontent as well.
Joykumar’s Stand: A Call for Clarity
Speaking to reporters, Joykumar said the decision was “a surprise”, hinting at dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency.
He noted:
The Manipur team had just returned from Shillong after discussions with the central leadership.
No indication was given that a leadership change was imminent.
Moving forward without consultation risks internal division.
Joykumar’s position carries weight — he has served as both NPP national vice president and a former state party president, and remains one of the senior-most voices from Manipur within the organisation.
What This Means for the Party
The development has sparked speculation about possible factionalism within NPP’s Manipur unit. With Manipur currently under President’s Rule and political recalibration happening across major parties, internal stability within NPP is critical.
Political observers note three immediate challenges for the party:
Reconciling differences between the new leadership and discontented senior figures
Maintaining organisational unity in a politically sensitive environment
Preparing for electoral and administrative shifts once normal governance resumes
Whether the central leadership engages Joykumar for dialogue will likely determine how smoothly the transition unfolds.