Manipur: With President’s Rule in Manipur nearing one year on February 13, efforts to form a new elected government have picked up pace. Over the past weekend, almost all legislators of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including members of the BJP, National People’s Party (NPP) and Naga People’s Front (NPF), were called to Delhi for meetings with the central leadership.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who resigned on February 9, 2025 amid ethnic violence and a looming no-confidence motion, was also part of the delegation. He said he was hopeful of a “positive outcome.” The BJP Parliamentary Board has appointed National General Secretary Tarun Chugh as Central Observer to supervise the selection of a new Legislative Party leader, indicating that government formation may be close.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the collapse of the BJP-led government. The move came amid continuing violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023 and has so far claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands of people. The state assembly remains in suspended animation.
With assembly elections due in early 2027, many MLAs are pressing for the return of a “popular government” to end the current uncertainty. However, divisions within the ruling alliance remain deep. Sources say N. Biren Singh may not return as Chief Minister. A possible arrangement being discussed includes a Meitei Chief Minister with two Deputy Chief Ministers, one from the Kuki community and one from the Naga community to balance ethnic representation.
Kuki-Zo MLAs, however, have made it clear that they will not join any government without written assurance from the Centre for a separate Union Territory administration. They have warned of mass resignation if their demand is ignored, stating that any unified government would lack legitimacy while communities remain segregated.
Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has become another major flashpoint. The government has set a target to resettle more than 40,000 IDPs, or around 10,000 families, by March 31, 2026. As of January 29, 3,700 families, involving about 16,500 people, had been resettled.
Kuki organisations have strongly opposed this deadline. The Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee (KDIDWC) has termed the plan unrealistic, citing the lack of basic facilities such as schools, hospitals and proper roads in proposed resettlement areas. The committee demanded immediate construction of key roads to Kangchup, Phailengmol (Island Block), Khamenlok and Chingdai.
The committee also said the Rs 3 lakh assistance under the SPMAY-G scheme is insufficient for rebuilding homes and should be increased. Protests continue, with Kuki women blocking a government survey team in Imphal West on February 2. IDP groups are also demanding compensation, education support for children, and involvement in planning.
As talks continue in Delhi, Manipur remains physically and politically divided. Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam recently said he was stopped from entering Kuki areas despite security arrangements. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised the Centre for not announcing a special crisis package. Without addressing key demands, any new government may face fresh unrest.
