Manipur: Meitei and Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs Share Table in Delhi After Two Years of Ethnic Strife
In a notable step toward political reconciliation in Manipur, four BJP MLAs from Kuki-Zo constituencies participated in the party’s legislature meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, sitting alongside their Meitei counterparts for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023.
The development comes amid efforts to revive a popularly elected government in Manipur, which has remained under President’s Rule since February following prolonged political stalemate and unrest. The meeting was convened after sustained appeals from BJP legislators from the Imphal valley, who have been pressing the party leadership to restore an elected government.
Although the BJP commands 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly, seven party MLAs representing Kuki-Zo areas had distanced themselves from valley-based political activity since the violence began, avoiding joint meetings and travel to Imphal.
First Joint Appearance Since Violence
On Sunday, four of those Kuki MLAs joined Meitei BJP legislators at the BJP national headquarters. After the meeting, leaders from both communities were seen posing together for photographs, marking a symbolic moment after nearly two years of political separation.
The legislature party meeting was presided over by BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh and the party’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, both of whom recently visited Manipur to promote dialogue and reduce tensions ahead of possible government formation.
According to party sources, Santosh and Patra initially held discussions with Meitei BJP MLAs, five legislators of alliance partner Naga People’s Front (NPF), and former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to assess the political roadmap. This was followed by a separate interaction with the Kuki MLAs to hear their concerns and explore confidence-building measures.
Attendance and Absences
The Kuki MLAs who attended the meeting were Nemcha Kipgen, Lelzamang Haokip, L.M. Khoute, and Ngursanglur Hmar. The three others—Vungzagin Valte, Paonilal Haokip, and Letpao Haokip—were unable to attend due to personal and medical reasons. Valte is still recovering from injuries sustained during a May 2023 attack, Paonilal returned home following a family bereavement, and Letpao is undergoing surgery.
Path Ahead Unclear
Sources said the party leadership urged all legislators to work collectively toward restoring peace and stability in Manipur, which has witnessed over 260 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people since the outbreak of violence.
While it is yet to be seen whether the Kuki MLAs will formally support the formation of a new government, BJP leaders are keen on their participation to ensure broader political legitimacy. Kuki-Zo organisations continue to press for a separate administrative arrangement or Union Territory for Kuki-Zo-dominated areas—a demand supported by all ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP.
Though Meitei BJP legislators, with backing from the NPF and Independent MLAs, could technically form a government without Kuki participation, the party’s central leadership is pushing for reconciliation and inclusion. The question of who will be the next Chief Minister remains unresolved.
