Amid continuing uncertainty over Manipur’s political situation, legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from both the Meitei and Kuki communities came together at a high-level meeting in New Delhi to discuss the way forward for the violence-hit state. The meeting, convened by the BJP’s central leadership, focused mainly on restoring peace, rebuilding trust, and ensuring the return of normal life across Manipur. The meeting was held on Sunday, December 14, and lasted for about two hours, from around 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. It was attended by BJP MLAs from Manipur along with senior party leaders at the national level. BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh and the party’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra were present and led the discussions. In total, 34 BJP MLAs took part in the meeting. Among those present were Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th. Satyabrata and former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The presence of legislators from both the Meitei-dominated valley areas and the Kuki-majority hill districts was seen as a significant development at a time when relations between the two communities remain strained due to prolonged ethnic violence.
Seven BJP MLAs belong to the Kuki community. Of them, Nemcha Kipgen from Kangpokpi, Ngursanglur Sanate from Tipaimukh, L.M. Khaute from Churachandpur, and Letzamang Haokip from Henglep attended the meeting and participated in the discussions. However, three Kuki BJP MLAs—Letpao Haokip of Tengnoupal, Paolienlal Haokip of Saikot, and Vungzagin Valte of Thanlon—were not present. Party sources said their absence was due to unavoidable reasons. BJP Manipur unit president A. Sharda Devi was also present at the meeting, adding to the importance of the discussions. According to sources familiar with what transpired during the meeting, the central leadership made it clear that restoring peace and stability in Manipur remains the top priority of the party. Leaders urged all MLAs to rise above differences and work together in the larger interest of the people of the state, who have suffered for months due to violence, displacement, and disruption of daily life. A key issue discussed during the meeting was the need to restore free and safe movement across Manipur, especially between the valley and hill regions. Normal travel on several routes has remained disrupted due to insecurity and fear, affecting access to essential services, trade, education, and healthcare. The leadership reportedly stressed that without the return of unrestricted movement and a sense of safety, lasting peace and development would be difficult to achieve.
Sources also indicated that speculation over the immediate formation of a new popular government did not dominate the discussions. The central leadership is understood to have conveyed that the question of government formation would be considered only after the situation on the ground improves and conditions of normalcy are restored. The focus, they said, should first be on healing divisions, rebuilding confidence among communities, and ensuring that violence does not return. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Since then, the state has continued to face challenges related to law and order, rehabilitation of affected families, and the restoration of everyday life. While political developments are closely watched, party leaders appear keen to project unity and a shared commitment to peace.The joint participation of Meitei and Kuki BJP MLAs in the Delhi meeting is being viewed by observers as a cautious but important step. While it does not immediately change the situation on the ground, it signals an attempt by the party to bring its legislators together and send a message of cooperation at a time when divisions have deeply affected the state.
