Imphal, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya and President of the National People’s Party (NPP), Conrad K. Sangma, stated on Thursday that his party is actively working to address the persistent issues affecting Manipur.

Following a series of discussions with party leaders, MLAs, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Imphal, he emphasized that the NPP is firmly dedicated to collaborating with the people of Manipur to promote peace, harmony, and sustainable development.

The NPP has established organizational bases in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to Meghalaya, securing seven seats in the recent 2023 assembly elections for the 60-seat Manipur Assembly.

Through his official account on X, Sangma stated: “In Imphal, we engaged in meaningful discussions with civil society organizations and concerned individuals. Our goal is to listen, comprehend, and tackle the unresolved issues faced by the state. The NPP is steadfast in its commitment to work alongside the residents of Manipur to promote peace, harmony, and enduring progress.”

He further remarked, “Today, we held discussions with various organizations in Imphal. Our aim is to grasp concerns from the grassroots level and collaborate with all stakeholders as a united team to ensure peace and stability in Manipur.”

Accompanied by NPP MLAs Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Shanti, Rameshwor, Loken, and state leader Joykumar, along with National General Secretary (Organisation) Paknga Bage, National Secretary Saidul Khan, and National People’s Youth Front president Nickey Nongkhlaw, Sangma arrived in Imphal on Thursday afternoon.

He mentioned that his visit aimed to connect with local leaders, community representatives, and stakeholders to evaluate the situation on the ground and encourage normalcy within the state.

“Numerous efforts have been made to address the ethnic crisis. Although some progress has been noted, challenges still persist. Increased engagement is essential to achieve complete peace,” the NPP chief informed the media.

He highlighted that forming a popular and democratic government is crucial for lasting peace, stressing the need for collective efforts from all parties involved.

In response to inquiries about expanding the NPP's influence in Manipur, he replied: “Our main priority is to restore peace and normalcy. Elections are distant; serving the public is our immediate focus.”

An NPP leader noted that during his two-day visit to Manipur, Sangma plans to meet with Meitei and Naga CSOs in Imphal and engage with internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by violence from Moreh, Churachandpur, and other regions currently residing in relief camps. The Chief Minister of Meghalaya will also confer with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan to deliberate on measures to restore peace and stability.

Sangma is set to conduct a joint meeting with NPP MLAs, state executives, and party officials to strategize on strengthening the party and preparing for the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections. On Friday, October 10, he is scheduled to travel to Dimapur (Nagaland), where discussions with Kuki CSOs and IDPs at Kangpokpi are planned, along with paying tribute at the residence of the late NPP Manipur President and MLA N. Kayisii in Senapati district.

In a significant political update, former Lok Sabha MP from Outer Manipur and ex-leader of the Naga People's Front (NPF), Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, joined the NPP last month in Shillong in the presence of Sangma.

“Dr. Lorho brings valuable experience, wisdom, and support from Manipur. We believe he will be an asset to our party and will closely collaborate to advance the NPP's ethos of One Voice, One North East,” stated the Chief Minister in a post on X.

Previously, the NPP withdrew its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur on November 17, claiming that the leadership under N. Biren Singh had “entirely failed” to manage the crisis and restore normalcy in the troubled state. The NPP, part of the BJP-led NDA, had seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. Despite the NPP's withdrawal, the Biren Singh-led administration remained stable, as the BJP holds 37 MLAs, backed by five from the Naga People's Front (NPF) and three Independents.

NPP MLA N. Kayisii, who was also the party's president in Manipur, passed away on January 18 after a prolonged illness, leaving six party legislators in the assembly now.