How are 21 MLAs urging PM Modi and HM Shah to restore popular governance in Manipur?
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Synopsis
In a significant political turn, 21 MLAs from Manipur are calling for the reinstatement of a popular government. Their appeal to PM Modi and HM Shah comes after months of President’s Rule, raising questions about peace and governance in the region. What implications could this have for the future of Manipur?
Key Takeaways
- 21 MLAs have requested reinstatement of a popular government in Manipur.
- The appeal highlights concerns over President’s Rule and its impact.
- Ethnic violence has led to significant casualties and displacements.
- The MLAs are primarily from the BJP and other regional parties.
- A tripartite meeting was held to address ongoing ethnic tensions.
Imphal, April 30 (NationPress) In a notable political development, 21 Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to restore a popular government in the state.
A delegation of MLAs visited the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Union Home Minister's office in New Delhi on Tuesday, presenting a letter endorsed by all 21 legislators.
One MLA confirmed the news, stating that the majority of the 21 lawmakers are affiliated with the BJP, with others from the National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and two independent legislators.
Since February 13, Manipur has been under President’s Rule, which was enacted four days following the resignation of N. Biren Singh as Chief Minister. The 60-member Manipur Assembly has been suspended and is expected to remain so until 2027.
The MLAs' letter expressed that while the people of Manipur initially welcomed the President's Rule with hope, there have been no tangible actions to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
The letter articulated concerns among the populace regarding potential resumption of violence. Numerous Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have publicly opposed the President's Rule, advocating for the installation of a popular government. These organisations have been engaging the public through rallies and discussions, attributing the lack of a government to the ruling MLAs.
The legislators emphasized that establishing a popular government is essential for re-establishing peace in Manipur. “We pledge to work with utmost dedication to bring stability to our state following the government’s reinstatement,” the letter stated.
This marks the first significant appeal to the Centre for reinstating the government since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13.
In efforts to address the prolonged ethnic tensions, a tripartite meeting involving representatives from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, along with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), occurred in New Delhi on April 5.
Six representatives from the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) participated in the meeting, alongside an eight-member delegation from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities led by Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet. The meeting included key figures such as MHA advisor A.K. Mishra, Joint Director Rajesh Kamble, Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, and Additional Director General of Manipur Police Ashutosh Kumar Sinha.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, more than 250 lives have been lost, with 1500 injured and over 70,000 displaced. This unrest was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ aimed at opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, resulting in extensive destruction of property, including homes and religious sites.
Point of View
The call for reinstating a popular government in Manipur is a crucial step towards ensuring democratic stability and addressing the ongoing ethnic tensions. The MLAs' appeal reflects a growing desire among the populace for effective governance, underscoring the importance of political representation in times of crisis.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the MLAs to urge for a reinstatement of the government?
The MLAs are concerned about the lack of visible actions to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur under President's Rule, leading them to advocate for a popular government.
Who are the main political parties involved in this appeal?
The majority of the 21 MLAs belong to the BJP, with others from the NPP, NPF, and two independent legislators.
What impact has the ethnic violence had on Manipur?
The ethnic violence has resulted in over 250 deaths, 1500 injuries, and more than 70,000 people displaced, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance.
What steps are being taken to address the ethnic tensions?
A tripartite meeting involving representatives from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities alongside MHA officials was recently held in New Delhi to discuss resolutions.
What is the significance of the MLAs' letter?
The letter represents a collective voice from the MLAs, stressing the necessity of a popular government to restore stability and peace in Manipur.
