The National People’s Party (NPP), led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, withdrew its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur on Sunday, citing the administration’s failure to address the ongoing crisis in the state. The NPP, which holds seven MLAs, has no immediate threat to the Manipur government, as the BJP maintains a majority on its own. However, the withdrawal marks a significant political development.
In a letter, the NPP criticised Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s government for its inability to resolve the ethnic unrest that has plagued the state, particularly amid the recent surge in violence.
“The National People’s Party would like to convey its deep concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur. In the last few days, we have seen the situation further deteriorate where many more innocent lives have been lost and people in the State are going through immense suffering. We strongly feel that the Manipur State Government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy,” the letter read.
“Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People’s Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh led Government in the State of Manipur, with immediate effect,” it added.
When asked about the development, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge told news agency ANI, “I just want justice, irrespective of who rules Manipur. PM did not go there and people of Manipur are suffering for months together, for years together. What is the PM doing? He is moving across the entire world, entire Maharashtra and Jharkhand. But he is not going to Manipur. Rahul Gandhi went there. He started his padayatra from there to Mumbai, Maharashtra. Where is Mr Modi? He has no face to go there…I condemn the attitude of Central Government.”
#WATCH | NPP (National People’s Party) withdraws its support to Manipur Government with immediate effect.
In Maharashtra’s Kolhapur, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says, “I just want justice, irrespective of who rules Manipur. PM did not go there and people of Manipur are… pic.twitter.com/BJnhsjcGiP
— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2024
The latest spurt in violence was triggered by the recovery of the bodies of six individuals, three women and three children, who were allegedly abducted and killed by militants in Jiribam district.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had cancelled his election rallies in Maharashtra to attend to the crisis, reviewed the security situation in Manipur on Sunday. He directed top security officials to take all necessary measures to restore peace in the volatile state. Sources indicated that the review meeting was held soon after Shah’s return from Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported.
ALSO READ | Amit Shah Holds Meeting With Senior Officials On Manipur Situation, Another Meeting Scheduled Tomorrow
Manipur On The Boil Again
Meanwhile, violent protests continued to unfold in various districts of Imphal Valley. Mobs set fire to the residences of BJP legislators, including senior minister Govindas Konthoujam, BJP MLA Y Radheshyam, and BJP MLA Paonam Brojen, as per PTI. The residence of Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar was also targeted. The protesters, angered by the deaths of the women and children, vandalised the properties and set them on fire, though the legislators and their families were not at home during the incidents.
Security forces, including Assam Rifles and BSF, intervened as protesters advanced towards the ancestral home of Chief Minister Biren Singh in Luwangshangbam. The protesters were stopped by a security cordon about 100-200 metres from the property. Despite this, the mob set tyres on fire on the main road leading to Singh’s residence, disrupting vehicular movement. The protests continued late into Saturday night in areas like Mantripukhri, some 3-4 km from the CM’s home.
The unrest prompted the authorities to impose an indefinite curfew across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. Internet services were also suspended in seven districts to curb the spread of rumours and ensure public safety.
In response to the mounting tensions, the state government has stepped up security, with increased patrols around targeted residences and key government buildings. Additionally, the state’s Chief Secretary, Vineet Joshi, ordered the temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services in affected areas.
While the protests have led to widespread arson, including the burning of two churches and several houses in Jiribam town, officials have yet to independently verify all claims of further destruction. The violence is part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped Manipur since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing civil society groups in Imphal Valley, has demanded immediate military action against the militants responsible for the violence, giving the government a 24-hour ultimatum.
