Imphal: In a significant development ahead of the World Indigenous Day celebrations, Mr. Ashang Kasar, a controversial figure in Manipur’s social and political circles, has resigned from his position as President of the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), the Manipur chapter of the Northeast Indigenous People’s Forum.
In his resignation letter addressed to the Vice-President of IPFM, Kasar stated that his decision was “effective immediately” and that he would no longer be able to participate in the scheduled programme on August 9, 2025.
The resignation comes in direct response to a directive issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) opposing the celebration of World Indigenous Day in Imphal. “As a Naga citizen, I am obliged to respect the sentiments and decisions of the apex Naga body,” Kasar wrote.
Earlier, on December 14, 2024, the Tangkhul Naga Long — the apex body of the Tangkhul tribe of Manipur — had also publicly disowned Wungnaoshang @ Ashang Kasar and his IPFM, stating that they were not mandated to organise “The Manipur Indigenous People’s Cultural Exchange Festival 2024” held on December 13–14, 2024.
The move is expected to draw mixed reactions, given Kasar’s often contentious role in inter-community affairs. His sudden exit leaves uncertainty over the leadership and direction of IPFM’s Manipur chapter, particularly with the upcoming World Indigenous Day programme just two days away.
No immediate comment was available from the IPFM on the resignation or on how the organisation plans to proceed with the August 9 event.
