Government to Present an All-Encompassing Political Strategy for Manipur's Peace: Ten Tribal MLAs

Imphal, Feb 16 (NationPress) Following numerous tribal organizations representing the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, ten tribal MLAs from Manipur, who have been advocating for separate governance or a Union Territory with legislative powers for the tribal populations in the state, expressed their optimism on Sunday that the Centre would unveil a detailed political roadmap for lasting peace.

The group of ten tribal legislators, including seven from the BJP, acknowledged the Centre's decision to suspend the Manipur Assembly and expressed their hope that the government would present a thorough political roadmap aimed at achieving peace and justice through a negotiated settlement.

"We also anticipate timely measures to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected by the conflict and the internally displaced individuals," the ten MLAs stated in a joint declaration.

Since the eruption of ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, these ten tribal MLAs, including two former cabinet ministers prior to the imposition of President's Rule on February 13, have been boycotting both the state government and assembly sessions.

In support of President's Rule in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), which serves as the primary body for Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, expressed confidence that this would lead to appropriate political resolutions.

The KZC, which includes the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), and several other organizations representing Kuki-Zo tribes, welcomed the government's announcement of President's Rule in the state.

ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong stated that President's Rule is more favorable than simply changing the Chief Minister.

"The Kuki-Zo no longer trust the Meitei, so appointing a new Meitei Chief Minister would not provide reassurance. President's Rule offers a glimmer of hope to the Kuki-Zo, and we believe it is a step closer to our political resolution," Vualzong remarked.

He added: "With President's Rule in effect, I believe the groundwork to cease hostilities will commence, creating a favorable environment for political dialogue."

Since the onset of ethnic violence in May 2023, the ITLF, KIM, and all other Kuki-Zo tribal organizations have been advocating for either a separate administration or a Union Territory for the tribal populace in Manipur.

Following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, intense discussions were held to identify a new leader for the ruling BJP legislature party who would become the Chief Minister of the upcoming government.

Since February 9, Sambit Patra, the BJP's in-charge for northeastern states, has conducted a series of meetings with Ministers, MLAs, and BJP leaders, as well as allies to gather their opinions.

Additionally, the BJP MP from the Puri parliamentary constituency in Odisha has met multiple times with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan to discuss the current political situation in the conflict-ridden state.

"Due to our inability to reach a consensus on a candidate for the legislature party leader who could potentially be the next Chief Minister following Biren Singh's resignation, the Governor advised the President to impose President's Rule in the state," another senior BJP leader stated.

He mentioned that there are three factions among Ministers and MLAs, each proposing different candidates for the Chief Minister's position.

Previously, Central BJP leaders separately invited Biren Singh, ministers, and select leaders and MLAs to Delhi to discuss the political and ethnic landscape in Manipur.

BJP sources indicated that state Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Municipal Administrations, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, a Rajya Sabha Member from Manipur, are the leading candidates for the Chief Minister's position.

The BJP is striving to select a leader who will be acceptable to both the tribal groups—Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga—as well as the majority non-tribal Meitei communities. Non-tribal Meiteis make up approximately 53% of Manipur's population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kuki-Zo-Hmar account for just over 40% and live in the hill districts.