By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 8: The National People’s Party (NPP) is optimistic about emerging as a stronger political force in Manipur in next year’s Assembly elections.
NPP Manipur president Dr Lorho S Pfoze, who was in Shillong on Monday, told reporters that the party was working to expand its support base and hoping to improve its 2022 performance.
The NPP had bagged seven of the 60 seats in the last elections. One of the MLAs, N Kayisii, died last year.
Pfoze said the NPP leadership remained grateful to the legislators for standing firmly by the party and its principles during challenging times.
According to him, the NPP believes that it can build greater trust among people by positioning itself as a regional party that understands the aspirations and concerns of the Northeast.
“There is a growing perception among sections of the electorate that regional parties are better placed to address local issues and ensure that the interests of the people are protected,” he said.
In this backdrop, he continued, the NPP sees an opportunity to strengthen its political footprint in Manipur and emerge with a much larger representation in the next Assembly.
Pfoze pointed to the difficulties being faced by the ruling BJP in the state in the aftermath of the Kuki-Meitei ethnic violence which erupted in May 2023. While the NPP remains an NDA constituent, he said the prevailing political situation had created space for alternative voices and regional parties to play a more prominent role.
He further stated that Manipur’s political and social landscape had undergone dramatic changes since the outbreak of the violence. He mentioned that the conflict resulted in an unprecedented physical separation between the two communities. The situation, he said, intensified demands from Kuki groups for separate administrative arrangement for the community.
ccording to Pfoze, the demand for separate administration continued to be strongly opposed by the Manipur government as well as several civil society organisations and communities, while the central government adopted its own approach towards addressing the issue.
He noted that debates surrounding migration, identity and land rights have also become more pronounced in recent years.
Allegations regarding the origins and settlement patterns of sections of the Kuki population have further complicated the already sensitive political environment, contributing to the deepening divide between communities.
Despite these challenges, Pfoze expressed hope that Manipur would eventually move towards reconciliation and stability. He said the NPP would continue to engage with people across communities and work towards addressing their concerns through democratic means.
Stating that the party’s vision is rooted in the aspirations of the people of the Northeast, he said the NPP intended to strengthen its presence in Manipur and play a greater role in shaping the state’s future after the 2027 Assembly elections.
“We are hopeful that the people of Manipur will place their trust in the NPP and give us a stronger mandate. We believe that we can contribute meaningfully to addressing the aspirations of the people,” he further said.
