Imphal: While people in Manipur demand to form a popular government, 23 legislators of BJP and JD-U affirmed their collective commitment to unity, peace and restoration of communal harmony in the state and resolved to put aside personal ambitions in the larger interest of the state in restoring peace and stability in the state.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13 after N. Biren Singh resigned as the Chief Minister of Manipur.
A meeting was convened at the official residence of BJP MLA Thongam Biswajit Singh, here on Friday, amid growing public calls for a responsive and stable administration. The development came following BJP MLA Thokchom Radheshyam’s statement two days earlier, asserting that 44 MLAs had agreed to form a “popular government” and were ready to act in accordance with the public’s will. Notably, the figure excludes the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs and five Congress legislators. Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabarta reportedly departed for the national capital on May 28. A source familiar with the matter stated that he has sought an appointment to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 3 or 4.
In a press release issued after the Friday meeting, BJP legislators affirmed their collective commitment to unity, peace, and the restoration of communal harmony in the state. “We resolved to put aside personal ambitions in the larger interest of the state, its people, and the vision of the BJP and its alliance partners,” the statement read. The legislators acknowledged the suffering endured by the people of Manipur over the past two years and emphasized the need for a long-term, inclusive solution. They identified political will, constitutional safeguards, impartial law enforcement, and inclusive dialogue as essential pillars in resolving the crisis.
During the deliberations, the leaders expressed support for the creation of a neutral dialogue platform to facilitate engagement between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. They also discussed the possibility of formally requesting the Governor and the Centre to appoint a ‘Peace Envoy’ or a panel of eminent persons to mediate impartially and help bridge the trust deficit. The legislators highlighted the importance of grassroots-level inter-community dialogue involving local governance bodies, civil society organizations, student unions, and religious groups. They also called for well-monitored disarmament efforts and the recovery of looted weapons across both hills and valleys, emphasizing the need for central and state security forces to act with strict neutrality.
Regarding the recent Gwaltabi incident on May 20, the BJP legislators urged the government to initiate discussions with media representatives and civil society organizations to arrive at an amicable understanding. They pledged their full cooperation toward this goal. Friday’s meeting was viewed as a significant step in the BJP-led initiative to establish a stable government amid persistent challenges. The legislators reiterated their vision of a united and peaceful Manipur, guided by inclusive leadership and with the support of both state and central authorities.
Signatories to the resolution included BJP MLAs Heikham Dingo (Sekmai AC), Y Radheshyam (Hiyanglam AC), Th Raghumani (Uripok AC), P Brojen (Wangjing-Tentha AC), S Kebi Devi (Naoriya AC), Karam Shyam (Langthabal AC), Kh Ibomcha (Lamlai AC), Sapam Ranjan (Konthoujam AC), SS Olish (Chandel AC), Sapam Kunjakeshwor (Keba) (Patsoi AC), L Sushindro (Khurai AC), Premchandra (Kumbi AC), Tongbram Robindro (Thanga AC), Dinganglung Gangmei (Nungba AC), K Robindro (Mayang Imphal AC), Th Shyamkumar (Andro AC), Y Khemchand (Singjamei AC), S Rajen (Lamshang AC), K Govindas (Bishnupur AC), Usham Deben (Wabgai AC), and Th Biswajit (Thongju AC); and JD(U) MLAs Th Arunkumar (Wangkhei AC) and Kh Joykishan (Thangmeiband AC).
A joint meeting of BJP MLAs was expected to convene at the state BJP office here on Saturday.
