21 MLAs write to PM Modi, Amit Shah urging to form 'popular govt' in Manipur to bring peace

Guwahati: Nearly three months after President's Rule was promulgated in Manipur, 21 MLAs, including 14 belonging to BJP, moved Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah seeking restoration of a "popular government" in the conflict-torn state.

In a letter submitted on Tuesday, the MLAs said although President's Rule was promulgated in the state nearly three months ago, no visible actions to restore peace and normalcy have been seen yet.

"There is a strong apprehension among the public that violence may reoccur. Several civil society organisations have begun opposing the President’s Rule and are demanding the formation of a popular government. Public rallies and street meetings are being held, where ruling MLAs are blamed for not staking a claim to form a government and for the imposition of President’s Rule," said the letter.

The President's rule was imposed on February 13 in view of the ethnic conflict involving the Meitei and the Kuki communities since May 2023.

Power equation:

The MLAs include 14 from BJP, three from National People's Party, two from Naga People's Front and two Independents. Manipur has 60 MLAs.

Ten Kuki MLAs, who have maintained distance from the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley since the Meitei-Kuki conflict started in May 2023, however, did not sign the petition.

President's Rule was imposed after N. Biren Singh resigned as CM after the ruling BJP could not decide his replacement. There were at least four contenders for the CM post.

No major conflict has been reported since the President's Rule was imposed but efforts to find a solution to the conflict have not materialised yet. A meeting of the Meitei and Kuki organisations held in New Delhi on April 5, remained inconclusive as both the communities remained firm on their demands.

More than 250 people have died since the conflict started on May 3, 2023.

"We believe that installing a popular government is the only way to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. We assure you of our full dedication and commitment to restoring peace if a popular government is reinstated,” the letter added.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla took stock of the law and order situation in a meeting at Raj Bhawan in which senior officers representing police, army, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies took part.