Imphal, Nov 7 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated on Friday that all BJP legislators in Manipur are consolidating their efforts to establish a popular government within the state.

Singh, who stepped down from the Chief Minister’s role on February 9, just four days before President’s Rule was instituted due to ongoing ethnic strife, mentioned that the government formation process is actively underway.

During a media interaction at the 150-year observance of Vande Mataram, the former Chief Minister refrained from commenting on the individual opinions of legislators concerning the new government formation.

He expressed deep concern for the violence-affected Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in relief camps and emphasized the urgent necessity to tackle their challenges and enhance their living conditions.

“There is a strong public sentiment and our commitment to resolving the issues faced by the displaced individuals and others. Their challenges can only be addressed effectively with the establishment of a popular government,” he articulated.

Singh highlighted that reinstating a stable and representative government is crucial to confront the ongoing humanitarian issues in the state.

“Once a popularly elected government is in place, addressing the concerns of displaced families and other state issues will be prioritized,” he asserted.

Referring to a recent trip to New Delhi with himself and 25 other BJP MLAs, Singh remarked, “We met with BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra to discuss the situation in Manipur. He personally visited Manipur Bhavan in Delhi. We conveyed the public demand for a popular government to be formed and raised issues regarding the IDPs. He assured us that this matter would be escalated to higher authorities as the situation in the state has shown improvement.”

Additionally, Singh and five other MLAs met with BJP’s National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh in Delhi.

“We urged him that both public sentiment and our request is for a popular ministry to be established promptly. Santhosh acknowledged the request and confirmed he would be visiting Imphal soon,” the former Chief Minister disclosed.

He noted that Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla is a capable and dedicated individual striving to enhance the lives of IDPs.

“Nonetheless, the IDPs have expressed to me their concerns that bureaucrats are not frequently reaching out to them, resulting in significant hardships. We, as MLAs, will do everything within our power to assist them,” Singh remarked.

Meanwhile, a significant number of IDPs residing in relief camps protested on Wednesday against the government's decision to provide just Rs 84 daily per person as an allowance.

The IDPs marched from Shajiwa to the Sawombung Sub-Divisional Officer’s office in Imphal East. Similar protests were observed in various other relief camps, with the IDPs asserting, “We cannot sustain our livelihoods with this insufficient amount.”