An insight into the Naga people’s front (NPF): The Manipur state unit

This paper examines the formation, objectives, electoral performance and political role of the Naga People’s Front - Manipur State Unit from its inception in 2011 to 2025. While the parent party, Naga People’s Front, has historically been rooted in Nagaland’s political landscape, its expansion into Manipur introduced new dynamics within a multi-ethnic political environment. Using a descriptive and exploratory approach based on the party’s constitution, manifestos, election data and secondary sources, the study analyses how the NPF - Manipur State Unit articulates Naga identity, tribal aspirations and demands for constitutional and administrative reforms within Manipur’s complex socio-political context. The findings show that the party has carved out a steady presence in predominantly Naga-inhabited constituencies, consistently securing representation despite operating within a limited electoral space. At the same time, its strong emphasis on Naga integration and hill-area concerns has shaped both its appeal and its limitations, reinforcing its support base while restricting broader cross-community outreach. The paper argues that the NPF - Manipur State Unit represents a typical example of Northeast India’s regional parties - anchored in identity-based politics, influential in coalition formations, and significant in articulating ethnic aspirations. The party’s future relevance in Manipur’s politics will likely depend on how effectively it balances its foundational identity-driven commitments with inclusive governance, development-oriented politics and peace-building initiatives.