Hopes of restoring an elected government in violence-hit Manipur brightened on Saturday as three BJP legislators returning from Delhi said they had received assurances from the central leadership that a popular government would soon be formed in the state.
Speaking to reporters at Imphal airport, BJP legislator Karam Shyam said they met BJP North East in-charge Sambit Patra and national general secretary BL Santosh during their visit to the national capital. “We have been given assurance that a popular government will be formed soon. No tentative timing for government formation is given, but it could be by November,” Shyam said.
Another BJP MLA, Dr Sapam Ranjan, expressed optimism, stating that the assurance from the central leadership had rekindled hope among legislators and the people of Manipur for political stability.
The Centre had imposed President’s Rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered his resignation, following months of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The state assembly, which remains under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.
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At least 26 BJP MLAs, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Speaker Th Satyabrata, have been camping in Delhi for over a week to press for the revival of an elected government. Before leaving Imphal, the legislators had said they were seeking an appointment with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to discuss the deteriorating situation in the state.
One of the legislators, Th Shyamkumar, had earlier remarked that he would consider resigning if they failed to meet the top leadership during their visit.
Since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023, over 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced across Manipur. The prolonged absence of a functioning government has deepened uncertainty in the conflict-torn state, with many calling for a political resolution to complement ongoing security and relief measures.
The assurance of government formation by November has therefore raised expectations of a possible return to democratic governance after months of administrative control from the Centre.
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