“Finally, Mr. Ashang Kasar, President of the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur, has toed in line with the directives of his tribal apex body, the United Naga Council,” the MPCC VP and staunch advocate of the Kuki Separate Administration, Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip, wrote in regard to Ashang Kasar stepping down as President of the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), and called it “a bold and wise decision…!”
Meanwhile, the North-East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) calls the event “unacceptable that UNC has dictated the Naga public not to attend without providing any valid reasons to the forum,” and requests the UNC to clarify their stance and provide reasons for their objections to the North-East Indigenous People’s Forum and the host IPFM.
Ashang Kasar dashed off his resignation letter as IPFM President ahead of the ‘World Indigenous Day 2025’ observance to be held on August 9 at City Convention in Imphal, which is expected to be attended by various personalities from the region, including Pradyot Manikya Deb Barman, founder of the Tipra Motha Party; Anup Chetia, Chairman of NEIPF; Manipur Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba; NPF legislature leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu; and Ram Muivah, MLA of Ukhrul 44-AC, among others.
And due to mounting pressure and to streamline any further misunderstanding and misconception from the Naga apex body that surrounds the organization of the observance of ‘World Indigenous Day 2025’ in Imphal, Ashang Kasar stepped down.
“This decision is in response to the UNC’s stricture regarding the celebration of World Indigenous Day 2025 in Imphal. As a Naga citizen, I am obliged to respect the sentiments and decisions of the apex Naga body,” Ashang Kasar said in the letter.
The NEIPF also clarifies that the World Indigenous Day 2025 is organized by the North-East Indigenous People’s Forum, headquartered in Guwahati, Assam, and the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur, is merely the host for the event in Manipur.
