Imphal: Amid continuing tensions and efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on April 30 chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, bringing together key military, paramilitary, and civil administration officials to assess the ground situation and strengthen coordinated responses to law and order challenges in the state.
The meeting witnessed the participation of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, senior officers from the Indian Army including GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj. Gen. SS Kartikeya, and senior officials from CRPF, BSF, and Intelligence agencies. Top bureaucrats such as Chief Secretary PK Singh and Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar joined via video conference along with senior army commanders including GOC 3 Corps Lt. Gen. Abhijit S Pendharkar and senior Assam Rifles officials. With Manipur continuing to face sporadic incidents of violence and deep-rooted ethnic tensions, the meeting aimed to evaluate the security apparatus, review ongoing operations, and explore joint strategies to restore peace, rebuild public confidence, and ensure a return to administrative normalcy across the troubled state.
On the other hand, amid ongoing political uncertainty and prolonged instability in Manipur, a group of 21 sitting MLAs, including members from the BJP, National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and Independent legislators, have submitted a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the restoration of an elected government in the strife-torn state.
The memorandum, submitted in New Delhi, comes more than two months after President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following escalating ethnic violence and administrative breakdown.
The legislators expressed that while President’s Rule had initially raised public hopes for peace and order, the lack of visible progress in normalising the situation has become a cause of concern for the people of Manipur.
“The continuation of central rule has created a vacuum in democratic representation. The people feel voiceless and directionless,” the MLAs said in their joint statement.
Among the prominent signatories are Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah, Khumukcham Joykishan, Soraisam Kebi, Losii Dikho, Lourembam Rameshore, J Kumo Sha, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Paonam Brojen, and Thangjam Arunkumar, along with other influential legislators from across communities and political affiliations.
The leaders have called for an urgent political intervention to “revive democratic institutions and allow the elected representatives to resume their duties.” They also underlined the worsening humanitarian and law-and-order situation, stating that “without political accountability, governance remains paralysed.” The appeal reflects a growing sentiment among Manipur’s political class for an end to the central administration and a return to civilian rule. Analysts suggest the move also signals possible realignments and political reconfigurations ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, should the Centre consider lifting President’s Rule.
Manipur plunged into crisis in May 2023 following ethnic clashes that led to over 250 deaths, displacement of thousands, and a near-total breakdown of law and order. Despite several peace efforts, including visits by Union ministers and deployment of additional central forces, the state remains deeply fractured along ethnic lines.
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