Restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur must come before any move to form a new government in the state, BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro said that after returning from discussions with the party’s central leadership in New Delhi. Speaking to reporters, Robindro said the talks were meaningful and focused mainly on the welfare of the people, but made it clear that political decisions would only follow once the situation on the ground improves. Manipur has been under President’s Rule for the last 10 months amid continuing ethnic tensions and security concerns. “We had a fruitful meeting with the central leadership. The main agenda was the welfare of the people,” Robindro said. “The government will and has to come, but peace must come first. Without stability, nothing meaningful can move forward.”
He said there was no fixed timeline for the formation of a new government, adding that peace and public confidence were the top priorities at present. The meeting was held on Sunday and was attended by BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh, the party’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra, and BJP legislators from Manipur. MLAs from both the Meitei and Kuki communities were present, despite the deep divisions caused by the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. Stressing the importance of reconciliation, Robindro appealed for unity and understanding between communities. “We are all human beings and we have to live together. Whatever mistakes have been committed, we must learn to forgive and forget so that Manipur can move forward,” he said.
Another BJP MLA, Heikham Dingo, echoed similar views and said the discussions were centred on restoring harmony and peace. “We mainly discussed how to bring peace back to the state. Continued dialogue with the Centre will help bring positive results for the people,” he said. Sources said the BJP’s central leadership urged legislators from both communities to work together and help reduce mistrust. They underlined that lasting peace was essential for rebuilding Manipur and for any future political transition. As many as 34 BJP MLAs from Manipur attended the Delhi meeting, including former chief minister N Biren Singh and Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh. Of the seven BJP MLAs from the Kuki community, four were present, while three were absent due to what party sources described as unavoidable reasons.
