Guwahati : In a significant political development amid efforts to restore an elected government in conflict-hit Manipur, four of the seven BJP MLAs representing Kuki-Zo communities attended the party’s legislature meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, marking their first such participation since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February following a prolonged political impasse. The meeting was convened after repeated appeals by BJP legislators from the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley, who have been pressing the party leadership to facilitate the formation of a popularly elected government.

The BJP holds 37 seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. However, seven BJP MLAs from Kuki-Zo constituencies had earlier stayed away from Imphal and from joint meetings with their valley-based colleagues amid deepening ethnic divisions.

On Sunday, four Kuki-Zo MLAs joined Meitei BJP legislators at the meeting held at the party’s national headquarters. The legislators were seen sitting together and posed for photographs after the session, signalling a tentative move towards political re-engagement.

The legislature party meeting was chaired by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh and the party’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra. Both leaders had recently visited Manipur to hold consultations with different stakeholders and ease tensions ahead of possible government formation.

According to BJP sources, Santosh and Patra first met Meitei BJP MLAs along with five legislators of ally Naga People’s Front (NPF) and former chief minister N. Biren Singh to discuss the political roadmap. This was followed by a separate meeting with the four Kuki-Zo MLAs to address their concerns and explore ways to restore peace and political stability.

The four Kuki-Zo MLAs who attended the meeting were Nemcha Kipgen, Lelzamang Haokip, L.M. Khoute and Ngursanglur Hmar. Three others-Vungzagin Valte, Paonilal Haokip and Letpao Haokip-were absent due to personal and health reasons. Valte is recovering from injuries sustained during a violent attack in May 2023, Paonilal Haokip had returned home following a bereavement, while Letpao Haokip is undergoing surgery.

Manipur has witnessed more than 260 deaths and the displacement of over 60,000 people since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023.

Party sources said BJP leaders urged all MLAs to work collectively towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state. While it remains unclear whether the Kuki-Zo MLAs will formally join efforts to stake a claim to form the government, the party leadership is keen on their participation to ensure stability.

Kuki-Zo civil society organisations continue to demand a separate administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory for Kuki-Zo-dominated areas. Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, have expressed support for this demand.

While Meitei BJP MLAs, with support from the NPF and independent legislators, could technically form a government on their own, the BJP leadership is pushing for the reintegration of Kuki-Zo legislators to build broader political consensus. The choice of the next chief minister, however, remains undecided.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally