Imphal : Restoring peace has been identified as the foremost prerequisite for the formation of a new government in Manipur, with BJP legislators underlining the priority after a high-level meeting with the party’s central leadership in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters after returning from the national capital, BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro described the discussions as constructive and focused on public welfare, while stressing that stability must precede any political transition in the state, which has been under President’s Rule for the past 10 months.

“We had a fruitful meeting with the central leadership. The main agenda was the welfare of the people,” Robindro said. “The government will and has to come, but there has to be peace first. I cannot say a definite timeline, but the government will be formed.”

The meeting, held on Sunday, was attended by BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh, the party’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, and legislators from Manipur, including MLAs from both the Meitei and Kuki communities, who have been on opposing sides of the ethnic conflict in the state.

Emphasising the need for reconciliation, Robindro said the people of Manipur must find a way to move forward together. “We are all human beings and have to live together. Whatever mistakes have been committed, we have to forgive each other and forget,” he added.

Another BJP MLA, Heikham Dingo, said the discussions remained centred on restoring harmony in the state. “We discussed how to bring peace. Continued dialogue with the Centre will lead to positive outcomes for the people,” he said.

Sources said the central leadership urged Meitei and Kuki MLAs to work jointly to bridge differences between the two communities, stressing that lasting peace is essential for Manipur’s recovery.

A total of 34 BJP MLAs from Manipur attended the Delhi meeting, including former chief minister N Biren Singh and Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh. Of the seven BJP MLAs from the Kuki community, four were present, while three were unable to attend due to what were described as “unavoidable reasons”.

The talks are being seen as an important step by the BJP to rebuild trust, stabilise the situation in Manipur, and pave the way for the eventual formation of an elected government in the state.