Imphal: Sambit Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) North East in-charge, made a significant entry into Manipur on Monday, embarking on a mission to facilitate dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki community legislators. Upon his arrival at Imphal airport, Patra immediately proceeded to Churachandpur via helicopter, where he is slated to engage with key figures from Kuki organizations and BJP MLAs residing within the district, as per undisclosed party sources.
Patra’s arrival was marked by a reception from BJP Manipur general secretary, K Sarat Kumar. This visit occurs in the wake of a collective plea from 21 Manipur MLAs, who penned separate letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These letters urgently requested the establishment of a “popular government” in the northeastern state, currently under President’s rule, to restore peace and stability.
The letters, bearing identical appeals, were endorsed by 13 BJP MLAs, 3 National People’s Party (NPP) legislators, 3 Naga Peoples’ Front MLAs, and two independent assembly members. These communications were officially received by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 29.
The MLAs’ collective sentiment underscored that “the installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur.” Following his engagements in Churachandpur, Patra is scheduled to return to Imphal to hold discussions with BJP MLAs based there, according to the same sources. Patra’s previous visit to the state took place in February.
President’s Rule was enforced in Manipur on February 13, subsequent to N Biren Singh’s resignation from the chief minister’s position. The state assembly, with its term extending until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation. This political intervention follows the devastating ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has resulted in over 260 fatalities since May 2023.