Imphal: National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the ruling coalition of Manipur, on Sunday announced its decision to withdraw support from the state’s government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting on to assess the security situation in the state. He directed top officials to take all necessary measures to bring peace to Manipur.
NPP writes letter to JP Nadda
NPP, which has 7 MLAs, sent a letter to BJP National President JP Nadda informing them of its decision. Despite this withdrawal, the Biren Singh-led government still holds a majority with 53 out of the 60 seats in the state assembly, including support from the BJP, National People’s Front (NPF), Janata Dal (United) (JDU), and independent MLAs.
NPP’s move comes amid instability in the state, which has been plagued by ethnic violence since May 2023. In their letter to Nadda, the NPP expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating situation in Manipur, claiming that many innocent lives have been lost and that the government has failed to restore normalcy. NPP criticised the Manipur government for its inability to resolve the crisis and stated that they could no longer support the administration under these circumstances.
The NPP’s decision follows a series of violent protests and clashes, particularly after the bodies of women and children were found last year. The latest incidents of violence took place on Saturday night when militants attacked the homes of three state ministers and six MLAs, killing three women and three children. In response, the authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the Jiribam district, where the violence occurred.
Amit Shah holds review meet
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting on Sunday to assess the security situation in the state. He directed top officials to take all necessary measures to bring peace to Manipur.
The central government had earlier imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas, including the violence-affected Jiribam district, in an attempt to control the unrest.
Manipur has been grappling with deep-rooted ethnic conflict, leading to widespread protests, violence, and civilian casualties.
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