- विज्ञापन -
Imphal: After the demands of various tribal organizations representing the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, ten tribal MLAs from Manipur have expressed optimism that the Central Government will unveil a detailed political roadmap aimed at establishing peace. These legislators, seven of whom are from the BJP, have been advocating for separate governance or a Union Territory with legislative powers for the tribal population in the state.
In a joint statement, the MLAs acknowledged the Centre’s decision to suspend the Manipur Assembly and expressed hope for a thorough political solution that would address peace and justice through negotiation. They also called for timely measures to alleviate the hardships faced by conflict-affected and internally displaced individuals.
Since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, these ten MLAs, including two former cabinet ministers, have boycotted both the state government and assembly sessions following the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13.
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, has reiterated its support for President’s Rule, believing it will facilitate necessary political resolutions. The KZC, which includes the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), welcomed the government’s decision, stating that President’s Rule is preferable to appointing a new Meitei Chief Minister.
ITLF spokesman Ginza Vualzong expressed that the Kuki-Zo community no longer trusts the Meitei leadership, asserting that President’s Rule brings hope for a political solution and a chance to end violence, thereby creating a favorable environment for dialogue.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, the ITLF, KIM, and other Kuki-Zo organizations have been advocating for a separate administration or Union Territory for the tribal communities.
Following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, discussions have been ongoing to select a new leader for the ruling BJP legislature party. BJP’s Sambit Patra has been conducting meetings with party members and the Governor to assess the political situation in Manipur.
Due to the inability to reach a consensus on a new Chief Minister, the Governor recommended President’s Rule after consultations with the BJP leadership. Currently, there are three factions among the Ministers and MLAs proposing different candidates for the Chief Minister position.
BJP sources indicate that potential candidates for the Chief Minister role include state Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Municipal Administrations Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Rajya Sabha member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba. The BJP aims to select a leader who can gain acceptance from both the tribal communities (Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga) and the majority non-tribal Meitei communities, who make up approximately 53% of Manipur’s population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while the Nagas and Kuki-Zo-Hmar account for just over 40% and live in the hill districts.
