Tensions within BJP’s Manipur unit deepened this Tuesday as 19 of 37 BJP MLAs skipped a crucial NDA meeting. The meeting, held the previous night, passed a resolution condemning the Kuki militants accused of killing six Meitei inmates at a displaced shelter in Jiribam. The absence of these MLAs, divided along ethnic lines, reflects the ongoing fissures in the party.
Amid reports that the CM’s secretariat issued notices to 11 NDA members, including ministers, for skipping the meeting, CM Biren Singh released a video pledging to take all necessary measures to safeguard citizens regardless of their community.
Earlier on Sunday, the BJP and its allies had been called to a meeting to decide how to respond to the latest cycle of violence. This came after Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma’s NPP withdrew support from the NDA government, citing Biren Singh’s failure to resolve the crisis. The NDA holds 53 seats in the 60-member assembly, with seven NPP MLAs, five from NPF, one JD(U), and three Independents, including a Kuki.
Seven of BJP’s 37 legislators are Kuki, and all were absent from the meeting, including Rural Development Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Three BJP MLAs and one from NPF cited health concerns and informed in advance that they would miss the meeting. The opposition bench includes five Congress legislators and two from the Kuki People’s Alliance.
Manipur Broadband Blackout Lifted, Mobile Internet Ban Remains
In response to the ongoing unrest, the Manipur government lifted the broadband blackout on Tuesday in valley districts. This move comes after difficulties were reported by citizens, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. However, mobile internet remains suspended.
Meanwhile, curfew restrictions were eased in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kakching districts from 5 am to 10 am on Wednesday to allow people to buy essential items. Despite this, restrictions on gatherings and protests continue.
Political Reactions: Calls for Resignations
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP’s handling of the situation, calling Manipur a “divided house.” He questioned whether the Union Home Minister was paying attention to the crisis. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Ramesh, along with PCC Chief K Meghachandra Singh, demanded the resignation of both Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Biren Singh for failing to stop the state from burning.
The situation in Manipur continues to evolve, with key decisions on law and order and AFSPA expected soon, as Biren Singh promises swift action against the perpetrators.
