Imphal: Amid ongoing unrest in Manipur, a crucial meeting of the state’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators was held on November 18 at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the session aimed to address the deteriorating law-and-order situation and formulate strategies for peace. Of the 38 legislators, 27 attended, while 11 were absent—six citing medical reasons and five providing no formal explanation.
The meeting followed a tragic attack in Jiribam district on November 16, where six women and children were killed, allegedly by armed militants. The horrific incident has deepened community divides, sparking widespread outrage. Chief Minister Singh condemned the killings, calling for unified efforts to combat militancy and ensure justice for the victims.
Legislators endorsed the resolutions passed during the State Cabinet meeting on November 16, including a call for the Central Government to reassess the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. They emphasized the need for intensified counter-insurgency operations to target armed militants disrupting the fragile peace.
A key resolution recommended transferring cases of violence, including the Jiribam killings, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an impartial probe. Legislators also urged the government to declare the militant group responsible for the Jiribam attack an “unlawful organization” within a week.
The meeting also addressed escalating attacks on public representatives and officials, with MLAs reporting arson, looting, and threats to their properties. Legislators strongly condemned these acts, calling for stringent law enforcement and expedited action based on findings from a High-Powered Committee investigating such incidents.
Concerns over the broader law-and-order situation were voiced, with legislators criticizing ineffective measures to curb violence. They reaffirmed the Cabinet’s earlier stance on the importance of community-led peace initiatives but noted that vested interests continue to undermine such efforts. Resolutions were passed to strengthen community engagement and take decisive action against disruptors of harmony.
Chief Minister Singh highlighted the need for collective responsibility and urged legislators to stand united. “The people of Manipur are looking to us for leadership. At this critical juncture, we must act decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities,” he said.
The absence of five legislators without formal justification drew criticism, with attendees expressing disappointment over their non-participation in such a critical discussion. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on public confidence in the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
The meeting concluded with a warning that failure to implement the resolutions within the stipulated timeframe could lead to public consultations to determine further action. Chief Minister Singh assured attendees of swift action, reiterating the government’s determination to uphold law and order and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.
Earlier, on November 16, the State Cabinet condemned the civilian killings in Jiribam and Bishnupur. It highlighted the disruption of peace talks with Hmar, Thadou, and Rongmei Naga communities by vested interests and applauded the CRPF for neutralizing militants during an attack on Borobekera police station, preventing further casualties.