KUKI MLAS SAY NO DECISION TO JOIN THE FORMATION OF NEW GOVT
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla on Monday evening convened a close-door meeting with several BJP legislators, including Speaker Th Satyabrata, at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. The meeting, which concluded around 7 pm, ended without any official statement, leaving media personnel waiting outside without updates on possible political developments or the status of the upcoming Sangai Festival.
Among those present were former chief minister N Biren Singh, former ministers Th Biswajit, K Govindas, Sushildro, Khemchand, Sapam Ranjan and Th Basantakumar. The Director General of Police also attended the meeting. Sources indicated that discussions may have touched upon concerns raised by civil society groups and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps, who have called for cancellation of the Sangai Festival in view of the prevailing unrest and humanitarian crisis.
The meeting came less than a week after BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh and northeast coordinator Sambit Patra visited the state from November 12, sparking speculation about the possible restoration of a popular government in Manipur, currently under President’s Rule. Political circles continue to speculate that a new ministry could be formed by November.
Meanwhile, reports suggesting that Kuki MLAs had resolved to join the ministry if a popular government is reinstated were strongly refuted. A local daily, The Sangai Express, reported that 10 incumbent Kuki MLAs had decided to participate in the formation of a new ministry following a general conference of the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) held at Rohika Hotel, Khanapara in Guwahati on November 15. The report claimed that seven MLAs attended the conference, which also deliberated on the demand for a separate administration and the possibility of a popular government returning before February 13 next year.
However, a statement signed by MLA Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu AC, Kangpokpi) and MLA Chinlunthang (Singhat AC, Churachandpur) dismissed the report as “misleading.” The statement, widely circulated online, clarified that while discussions on the political situation and separate administration were held, no decision was taken by the Kuki-Zo MLAs to join the formation of a popular ministry. It further noted that some MLAs were not present at the Guwahati meeting. “The misleading news has created unnecessary public confusion,” the statement read, urging the public not to be swayed by rumours. It also advised the daily to refrain from publishing unfounded and unverified reports in order to maintain its credibility.