Imphal: Manipur Minister Y Khemchand declared on Tuesday that BJP legislators would adhere to the party high command’s decision to resolve the state’s leadership crisis, even as political turmoil and violence continue to grip the region. The statement followed closed-door meetings between BJP’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra and party MLAs to chart a path toward stability.
Key Developments
Sambit Patra, accompanied by BJP state president A. Sharda and MLAs including Basantakumar Thounaojam and Abdul Nasir, held urgent discussions with legislators at an Imphal hotel. Later, a delegation led by Patra briefly visited Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House) but declined to comment on the purpose of the visit.
The meetings come amid escalating unrest following the abduction and killing of six members of a Meitei family, which triggered mob violence targeting BJP-linked leaders’ residences. MLA Thongam Biswajit confirmed discussions focused on “restoring normalcy,” but specifics remain undisclosed.
The Union Home Ministry has issued directives to contain the crisis, with Home Minister Amit Shah holding high-level meetings. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Secretary PK Singh urged citizens to reject rumors and inflammatory content, warning of “deliberate attempts to destabilize society.”
Y. Khemchand, Manipur Minister said that “The BJP legislature party will abide by whatever decision the central leadership takes. Our priority is to restore peace.” Thongam Biswajit, BJP MLA said, “The meetings [with Patra] centered on urgent measures to stabilize the situation. We cannot let violence dictate Manipur’s future.”
On the other hand, Chief Secretary PK Singh said, “Misinformation is being weaponized to incite panic. I appeal to all citizens to verify facts and uphold harmony.”
Manipur’s instability risks exacerbating inter-community tensions in the Northeast, a region already grappling with complex socio-political fault lines. The BJP’s response could set precedents for crisis management in coalition-governed states.
All eyes remain on the BJP high command’s decision, expected imminently. Security forces remain on high alert, with the Home Ministry monitoring developments closely.
