MLAs urge Shah to form ‘popular govt’ in Manipur

Imphal: Twenty-one MLAs have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to form a “popular government” in Manipur, which is now under the President’s rule, to ensure peace and normalcy in the state.

The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President’s rule in Manipur, where more than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The imposition of the President’s rule came after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. The letter, which is signed by 13 BJP MLAs, 3 NPP legislators, 3 Naga Peoples’ Front MLAs and two independent members of the Assembly, stated, “The people of

Manipur welcomed the President’s rule...with lots of hope and expectation. However, it’s going to be three months, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy have been seen so far.”

“There is strong apprehension among the people that the violence may occur again in the state. Many civil organisations have come out openly against the imposition of the President’s rule and (are) demanding installation of a popular govt.

“These organisations have started holding public rallies, street corner meetings, instigating the general public, blaming the ruling MLAs for not staking claim to form a popular government and fixing responsibility for the imposition of PR (President’s rule) in the state,” the legislators said in the April 10 letter.