Amid surging violence in Manipur, the National People’s Party (NPP) announced its withdrawal of support for the BJP-led government, citing its "complete failure to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy."
However, despite the NPP's exit, the BJP government remains on solid ground with a comfortable majority in the 60-member Assembly.
The BJP commands 32 seats and enjoys the support of its regional allies, including the Naga People’s Front (NPF) with five MLAs, one JD(U) legislator, and three Independent MLAs. With a total of 37 seats, the BJP is well above the halfway mark of 31.
The NPP, which played a key role in the previous coalition government, has seven MLAs in the Assembly:
- Sheikh Noorul Hassan (Kshetrigao)
- Khuraijam Loken Singh (Wangoi)
- Irengbam Nalini Devi (Oinam)
- Thongam Shanti Singh (Moirang)
- Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh (Kakching)
- N. Kayisii (Tadubi)
- Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong)
In a letter addressed to BJP national president J.P. Nadda, the NPP criticised Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s leadership, stating, "The Manipur state government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy. Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People's Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh government in Manipur with immediate effect."
Escalating violence
The withdrawal coincided with a fresh wave of violence across the state. Offices of the BJP and Congress, along with the house of an Independent MLA in Jiribam, were ransacked by agitators.
Earlier, the ancestral home of BJP MLA Kongkham Robindro was vandalised in Imphal Valley. On Saturday, mobs set fire to the residences of three BJP legislators, including a senior minister, and a Congress MLA.
Security forces intensified patrols and thwarted an attempt by agitators to storm the ancestral residence of Chief Minister Singh. Curfews have been imposed in five districts, including Imphal East and West, and internet services have been suspended in seven districts to curb further unrest.
The violence stemmed from the disappearance of six individuals from a relief camp in Jiribam after a gunfight between security forces and militants. Five of their bodies have since been recovered, including two found in Assam’s Barak River on Sunday.
Kuki-Zo community warns retaliation
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community, issued a stark warning, saying their volunteers would "have to arm themselves to protect their land and families" if the Centre fails to rein in "armed Meitei groups."
The ITLF cautioned that continued inaction could lead to "more forceful retaliation."
More than 200 people have been killed and thousands displaced since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023.
The BJP’s ongoing majority ensures political stability, but the worsening law-and-order situation poses a severe challenge to restoring peace in the state.
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