KOHIMA — Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency, Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, has resigned from the primary membership of Naga People’s Front (NPF).

Dr. Pfoze was elected to the 17th Lok Sabha in May 2019 and, during his tenure, served as a member of the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel, the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare at different times.

In a letter addressed to NPF president, Dr. Pfoze tendered his resignation with effect from September 11.

“This decision has not been easy for me to take. I appreciate the opportunities the Naga People’s Front had given me to serve in various capacities as an active member,” he wrote, adding, “However, due to personal reasons, it has become necessary for me to resign from the party.”

Speaking to Eastern Mirror on Monday evening, he confirmed the move, and described his time with the NPF as a “very good experience.”

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While clarifying that the denial of a ticket in the last general election was “not the main issue,” he said that the party had gradually begun sidelining him.

According to him, the NPF’s exclusivity also factored into his decision. “In a state like Manipur, that makes the party very limited in its approach. That is why I thought of exploring other avenues, to widen my horizons and be more available for service to all communities. That is the main reason behind my decision,” he explained.

He stressed that not getting a ticket was a minor issue, something that happens in politics, but the larger concern was the party’s narrow outlook.

“I wanted to remain relevant because I came out for public service. Initially, I thought NPF was the best option to work for others. But later on, I realised that maybe I needed to look for other areas where we are not limited or exclusive to one community alone,” he said.

On the Naga political issue, he noted that the cause had already been recognised through the Framework Agreement signed at the highest level, emphasising the importance of support from other communities and like-minded groups.