Imphal: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra did not meet the 21 MLAs who had signed a letter seeking the formation of a popular government in Manipur, during his 2-day visit in Manipur.
During his, Patra met several key figures including former chief minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker Th. Satyabrata, and governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
His visit aimed at holding crucial stake meetings with BJP legislators amid the ongoing political uncertainty in Manipur.
President’s Rule was imposed on February 13 the strife torn state on the fourth day after N. Biren Singh’s resignation from chief minister. Since then Manipur remains in PR for 81 days and BJP has not been able to form a popular government.
On the second day of his visit he held a closed-door meeting with MLA Nemcha Kipgen at her residence in Kangpokpi. Kipgen is among the signatories demanding a separate administration for Kuki-Zo.
The BJP leader met representatives of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and the Kuki Women’s Union. During the meeting, CoTU submitted a memorandum highlighting urgent concerns of the Kuki-Zo communities reiterating the demand for the separate administration and called for protection of tribal areas through the implementation of constitutional safeguards under Article 371C, and the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution. It also called for recognition of tribal land rights.
The Kuki body demanded imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act across Manipur, a second round of talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs to be held separately with the Kuki-Zomi Council and the Meitei community, and restrictions on free movement at the current juncture.
The memorandum said, if Meitei civil society organisations are mandated, the Kuki groups would be willing to sign a cessation of hostilities and initiate dialogue.
After concluding his engagements in Kangpokpi, Patra returned to Imphal and then departed for New Delhi on Tuesday.
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