Imphal, Dec 15: In a significant political development in Manipur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs from the Meitei and Kuki communities appeared together publicly for the first time since the ethnic violence of May 3, 2023. The joint meeting was held in New Delhi on Sunday, fuelling speculation about efforts to revive an elected government in the state, which has been under President’s Rule since February this year.
Manipur came under President’s Rule on February 13 following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Since then, political activity within the BJP has intensified amid growing demands from a section of party MLAs and leaders to stake claim for government formation.
The New Delhi meeting is being seen as a crucial “ice-breaking” exercise between MLAs of the two communities, who have remained sharply divided since the outbreak of violence. According to BJP sources, the party’s central leadership used the meeting to impress upon the legislators the need to work together to sustain peace and create conditions conducive to restoring a popular government in Manipur.
The meeting followed a series of consultations held last month in Manipur by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh and the party’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, who engaged with state leaders and MLAs across factions.
Political observers have also noted the participation of the seven BJP MLAs from the Kuki community as particularly significant. These MLAs had earlier backed demands for the creation of a separate Union Territory for Kuki-dominated areas. Their presence at the joint meeting is being interpreted as a possible softening of that stance, or at least a willingness to re-engage with the party’s broader political process.
While no official decision has been announced, the rare show of unity has raised expectations of renewed political dialogue and a possible roadmap towards ending President’s Rule in Manipur.
 MLAs from the Meitei and Kuki communities appeared together publicly for the first time since the ethnic violence of May 3, 2023. The joint meeting was held in New Delhi on Sunday, fuelling speculation about efforts to revive an elected government in the state, which has been under President’s Rule since February this year.){kind=link}