Manipur: 21 NDA MLAs Urge PM Modi to Restore Popular Government

A group of 21 legislators from the ruling National Democratic Alliance in Manipur have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to take immediate steps to install a popular government in the state to help restore peace and normalcy, nearly three months after the imposition of President’s Rule.

The Centre imposed President’s Rule on February 13, following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation amid a rebellion within the BJP. The decision came against the backdrop of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began in May 2023, claiming over 250 lives and displacing thousands.

The state assembly, elected until 2027, is currently under suspended animation. The April 10 letter—signed by 13 BJP MLAs (including three who defected from JD-U), three National People's Party legislators, three Naga People's Front MLAs, and two independents—was received by the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 29 and made public on Wednesday.

In the letter, the MLAs acknowledged that the President's Rule was initially welcomed with hope, but said "no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy have been seen so far." They warned of rising public frustration, stating that civil society groups were now staging rallies, meetings, and blaming legislators for failing to form a new government.

“There is strong apprehension that violence may erupt again,” they wrote. “The installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur.” However, the move drew sharp criticism from Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Keisham Meghachandra Singh, who accused the MLAs of bypassing the constitutional route.

“These legislators should have gone to the Governor to stake claim,” he posted on X. “Writing to the PM and Home Minister shows political insincerity.”