Synopsis
On March 13, six Naga MLAs from different political parties assured Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla of their cooperation to restore peace, expressing confidence in achieving normalcy under his leadership amidst ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.Key Takeaways
- Six Naga MLAs pledged support to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
- Confidence expressed in restoring peace in Manipur.
- MLAs discussed issues faced by the populace.
- Naga-dominated areas have remained largely peaceful.
- NPF supports the BJP government since 2017.
Imphal, March 13 (NationPress) On Thursday, six MLAs representing the Naga community from various political parties pledged their full cooperation to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in efforts to restore peace. They expressed strong confidence that the state would undoubtedly return to a state of calm and normalcy under his guidance, according to officials.
During the meeting with the Governor, these six MLAs highlighted various challenges faced by the populace.
“They committed to providing their support at every level to foster peace and shared optimism that the state will certainly regain its peace and normalcy under the Governor's leadership,” stated a Raj Bhavan official.
The group of six Naga MLAs includes Awangbow Newmai, former Water Resources Minister in the previous government led by ex-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and President of Naga People Front's (NPF) Manipur unit, alongside Khashim Vashum, Losii Dikho, and Leishiyo Keishing (all from NPF), Janghemlung Panmei from the National People’s Party (NPP), and J. Kumo Sha (an independent).
Among the 16 districts in Manipur, the areas inhabited by the Naga community include Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, and Senapati, which are adjacent to the borders of Nagaland and Myanmar.
Despite over 22 months of ethnic unrest between the Valley-based non-tribal Meitei community and the hills-based tribal Kuki-Zo community, the Naga-dominated regions have largely remained peaceful.
The NPF, which holds five seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, has been backing the BJP government since it first came to power in 2017, ending the Congress's 15-year rule (2002-2017). The Meitei people constitute roughly 53 percent of Manipur's population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, which comprises five to six districts. Tribals, including Nagas and Kuki-Zo-Hmar, make up approximately 40 percent of the population and inhabit the hill districts, covering about 90 percent of the state’s total land area.
