What are Sambit Patra's plans for Manipur's leadership?

Synopsis
In a pivotal move, BJP's North East in-charge Sambit Patra is in Imphal to meet key political figures following a call from 21 MLAs to restore a popular government. With President's Rule in place, discussions aim to bridge community divides and restore stability. Can Patra foster the change Manipur desperately needs?
Key Takeaways
- Sambit Patra is meeting with political leaders in Manipur.
- 21 MLAs have urged for a popular government restoration.
- President's Rule has been in effect since February 13.
- Discussions aim to bridge divides between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
- The situation in Manipur remains tense, requiring urgent action.
Imphal, May 5 (NationPress) Just a week after 21 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Manipur called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to restore a popular government in the region, Sambit Patra, the BJP’s North East in-charge, arrived in Imphal on Monday to engage with various political figures.
According to a BJP official, during his two-day visit to Manipur, Patra is set to conduct multiple discussions with MLAs and representatives from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
“Immediately after arriving in Imphal, Patra traveled to Churachandpur, where he met local MLA Vungzagin Valte from the Kuki community. Upon returning to Imphal, he held discussions with former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, and other prominent leaders,” the source stated.
Patra is expected to meet additional MLAs, former ministers, and leaders from various factions during his stay.
Since February 13, Manipur has been under President’s Rule, following the resignation of N. Biren Singh from his role as Chief Minister. The 60-member Manipur Assembly has been suspended since the enforcement of President’s Rule, which is effective until 2027.
On April 29, the 21 MLAs submitted a joint letter to Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah, advocating for the reinstatement of a popular government in the state.
One of the MLAs confirmed that the majority of the 21 lawmakers are from the BJP, with others from the National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and two independent legislators.
The letter emphasized that while the people of Manipur welcomed the President’s Rule with hopes for peace, tangible actions to restore normalcy have yet to materialize.
The MLAs asserted that establishing a popular government is crucial for achieving peace and stability in Manipur.
In an effort to address the ongoing ethnic tensions, a tripartite meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and representatives from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities occurred in New Delhi on April 5.