With popular Govt likely, Kuki leaders eye 3 Ministerial berths

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 21 : Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025 following a period of intense violence and political instability, may soon witness the formation of a popular Government, according to reliable sources.
The new Government could be in place before the commencement of the Budget session which is scheduled to begin from January 28, 2026, the sources said.
However, it is reported that key Central leadership are still waiting for the Prime Minister’s response regarding the final decision on lifting President’s Rule.
The sources further stated that the Union Home Ministry officials have held a series of meetings with the stakeholders concerned including Meitei, Naga and Kuki leaders regarding the formation of a Government in Manipur.
After evaluating the situation, the Ministry has submitted its report to the Central Government, suggesting that Manipur could have its own Government now, the sources said.
However, the sources added that the Centre is closely studying the potential developments that may follow after a State Government is installed in Manipur.
According to the sources, the Kuki leaders are demanding three Ministerial posts-two in Churachandpur and one in Kangpokpi along with a Deputy Chief Minister position.
Additionally, the Kuki groups that had previously opposed the Government formation are now silent, the sources said.
During discussions with the Union Home Ministry officials, the Naga stakeholders raised no objections to Government formation, while the Kuki stakeholders voiced only a few concerns, the sources said.
The Centre's primary concern remains how the Meitei will react after the Government is formed, the sources said.
Despite the situation, the sources said that Manipur may witness the formation of a popular Government, possibly before the commencement of the Budget session on January 28.
Another source stated that Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to grant Ministerial berths to two NPP MLAs in Manipur.
The NPP, a coalition partner of the BJP, has six MLAs in the State.
Meanwhile, some BJP MLAs told The Sangai Express that every party MLA believes the Centre will revive the State Government, which is currently under a state of suspended animation very soon as the current tenure of President's Rule is set to expire on February 12.
They also mentioned that every legislator in Manipur wants the State to be governed by an elected Government.
These MLAs said that Manipur could see the return of a popular Government either before the commencement of the Budget session on January 28 or during the upcoming Parliament session.
The BJP MLAs further stated that a State Government could also be formed before January 26, noting that invitations for Republic Day have not yet been printed, and they believe this could be an indication.
Meanwhile, Thongju MLA Th Biswajit flew to Guwahati last night to meet with some key RSS leaders.
Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, 2025, following N Biren Singh's resignation as Chief Minister on February 9, 2025.