Following the resignation of Ashang Kasar from the post of President of the Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur (IPFM), Vice President Philem Rohan Singh has been appointed as President in Charge of the Forum.
The development was confirmed through an official order issued by Ramtahungbe Newme, General Secretary of the IPFM, on Wednesday. According to the order, Philem Rohan Singh shall assume all powers and responsibilities of the President with immediate effect, and will continue in the role until a new President is elected or until further notice.
Ashang Kasar, a well-known social worker and peace activist, resigned from the position citing pressure from the United Naga Council (UNC) over the Forum’s plans to observe the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at the City Convention in Imphal.
In his resignation letter, Kasar wrote, “I hereby tender my resignation as President of the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (Manipur Chapter of the Northeast Indigenous People’s Forum), effective immediately. Henceforth, I shall not be able to participate in the said programme on the 9th of August 2025. This decision is in response to the United Naga Council’s (UNC) stricture regarding the celebration of World Indigenous Day 2025 in Imphal.”
Kasar’s resignation has drawn attention to the increasing tensions and challenges faced by organisations working towards indigenous rights and unity in the region. The IPFM, a Manipur chapter of the Northeast Indigenous People’s Forum, has been actively engaged in promoting peace and indigenous solidarity across communities.