By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 9: In what is being viewed as a politically significant move, National People’s Party (NPP) national president and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma visited Manipur on Thursday to assess the ground situation and engage with key stakeholders in the conflict-hit state, which has been under President’s Rule since February.
During his visit, Sangma called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and held detailed discussions on the prevailing situation. He also met representatives of various displaced communities in Imphal, who shared their concerns and hopes for lasting peace. Describing the interactions as constructive, Sangma stressed the need for collective efforts to rebuild trust and restore normalcy. He further held consultations with several organisations to understand challenges at the grassroots level, saying the NPP aimed to “work as a team with all stakeholders” to contribute to peace and stability.
The visit comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Manipur is charged, with mounting pressure on the Centre to reinstate an elected government. The NPP, which holds seven Assembly seats, remains the second-largest political force in the state after the BJP, giving Sangma’s presence added political weight amid uncertainty. In New Delhi, meanwhile, a delegation of around 25 BJP MLAs from Manipur — including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh — met BJP’s North East Coordinator Sambit Patra on Wednesday at Manipur Bhawan. The group urged the party’s central leadership to take prompt steps toward restoring an elected government in the strife-torn state.
The legislators, who have been camping in the national capital since October 4, voiced their anxiety over the prolonged political vacuum. Sources said the discussions centered on the timeline for returning to democratic governance and the Centre’s ongoing assessment of the security and rehabilitation situation.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following Biren Singh’s resignation amid continuing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began in May 2023. The Union government extended central rule for another six months from August 13, citing instability and incomplete rehabilitation of displaced persons.
