After conducting a series of political meetings with the ruling legislature, the BJP National Spokesperson and NE In-charge MP Dr. Sambit Patra left Imphal for Delhi on an afternoon flight. Before leaving Imphal, Dr. Sambit Patra visited Kangpokpi District and met MLA Nemcha Kipgen at her residence and held a closed-door meeting. The meeting underscored the BJP’s effort to strengthen ties with local leaders, particularly from the tribal communities, at a time when the state is grappling with deep political and ethnic divides. During his visit to Kangpokpi, Patra also met tribal representatives and CRPF officials.
Internal sources indicate that Dr. Sambit’s focus was to unite the MLAs, and to resolve internal tussles and indifference of opinion among them. Only then, the sources maintained, could a positive outcome be achieved.
On Monday, Dr. Patra met former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, MLA Yumnam Khemchand, and around 12 other BJP and ally MLAs. The conversations focused on navigating a political reset, ending President’s Rule, and identifying potential new leadership to restore stability to the state. Some MLAs are said to have raised concerns over the leadership style of Biren Singh and suggested that the BJP consider a fresh face to lead the party in these challenging times.
The following day in Kangpokpi, Dr. Patra held a significant meeting at the 112 CRPF Camp with representatives from the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), SAHILCA, KWU Sadar Hills, and other civil society groups. The meeting, which came on the heels of intense regional concerns, saw the submission of a three-page memorandum outlining the pressing needs and grievances of the Kuki-Zo community.
In the memorandum, CoTU made a clear call for the disarmament of armed groups like Arambai Tenggol, which they accuse of undermining peace and security in the region. They also demanded a cessation of hostilities, contingent upon the full disarmament of these groups, and proposed that no Free Movement Regime (FMR) should be allowed until the situation stabilizes. The community also sought separate political talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs for Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups, reflecting the growing call for distinct negotiations due to the deepened mistrust between the two communities.
Other key demands included the full imposition of AFSPA across Manipur to restore law and order, alongside the establishment of a Hills University and a hospital in Kangpokpi to address the region’s neglect in healthcare and education. They also sought constitutional protection for their ancestral lands under Article 371C and related provisions, along with legal actions against groups like COCOMI, which have been accused of inciting violence against the Kuki-Zo community.
Though no official response was issued by Dr. Patra immediately after the meeting, BJP sources indicate that he is gathering feedback from all sides to compile a comprehensive report for the central leadership. The report is expected to influence future decisions, particularly regarding leadership reshuffles and the strategy to address both the security challenges and political demands of various groups in the state.
As the state remains under President’s Rule, Dr. Patra’s visit signals the BJP’s intent to bridge divides and restore governance, a task that requires careful navigation between the valley-based and hill-based communities.
