21 Manipur MLAs write to PM Modi, Ask to form "Popular Government"
The letter was signed by 13 BJP MLAs, three National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, three Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) MLAs and two independents
The letter says: "The people of Manipur welcomed the President's Rule... with lots of hope and expectation. However, it's going to be three months, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy have been seen so far."
The Centre was reluctant on two fronts - one political. It wanted to back the then Chief Minister N Biren Singh hoping he would deliver.
Secondly, as a matter of principle, the centre is against central rule for any state.
Probably this is one reason even defaulting NDPP-BJP regime has survived for so long. The Modi Govt could have acted against Mamata Banerjee as well and here too -- notwithstanding issues it wants 2026 assembly elections to decide the fate of Trinamool Congress regime in Kolkata and possibly the face of that regional party as well.
The Modi Govt imposed President's Rule in Manipur on Feb 13th.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki tribes that started in May 2023. The imposition of the President's Rule came after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned as things became difficult for him to carry on the show.
There are several BJP leaders who are ambitious and hence even amongst the saffron party legislators, there is a clamour for a new leader.
The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
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| beleaguered Biren Singh |
"There is strong apprehension among the people that the violence may occur again in the state. Many civil organisations have come out openly against the imposition of the President's rule and (are) demanding installation of a popular government," the letter said.
"These organisations have started holding public rallies, street corner meetings, instigating the general public, blaming the ruling MLAs for not staking claim to form a popular government and fixing responsibility for the imposition of PR (President's rule) in the state," the MLAs said in the April 10 letter.
From administration point of view the initial three months is two short a period to pass judgement whether Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and his team have been able to deliver or not. Things are so complex and deep rooted that at it may require nine months more -- that is President's Rule may continue for a year -- that is for two stints.
By the end of calendar year 2025; things can be commented - either ways -- whether President's Rule could succeed or not.
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| Guv Bhalla with 'boss' Amit Shah |
There are many things that work and will possibly work again and again before any decision is taken to revoke Presidential proclamation and allow installation of a so-called popular government.
For Home Minister Amit Shah now hands are full especially after Pahalgam. For his part, Governor Bhalla is making attempts to ensure reconciliation between two warring communities.
This is simply easier said than done.
The relations have deteriorated beyond repair in more ways than one.
By January 17-18 (2025) when I was in Imphal -- there was actually no writ of the government.
Biren Singh could not emerge as the 'messiah' of the Meiteis even as he has been a populist leader.
There emerged a fashion of setting up of 'Kangaroo courts' and dispensing justice in own style and not following the standard jurisprudence.
An allegedly rape victim did not go to Biren Singh's police force.
In a statement, the Koireng-faction of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) said the punishment was handed out to Khaidem Nongdam Khanganba, 30, of Imphal West district following its investigation. (as reported in 'Hindustan Times')
This is just to cite one example. Many things could not be reported or were not reported in the media.
The good old parochialism -- often taken as a virtue in north east - had swallowed media too. Hence, reporting seemed partisan on both sides.
The argument goes that the "other side" (civil society and intellectuals including media) portrayed the other community in bad light.
The story telling "dehumanised" the enemy and even drained him/her of all sensibilities and recognisable emotions.
In simpler language for Meiteis -- the Kuki-Zo people were all wrong; and similarly for Kukis - the Meiteis were only with negative traits.
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| relief camp |
This pushed the refrain -- "we cannot live together".
Not much has changed since then or even after imposition of President's Rule.
Now to look for an alternative leader (to Biren Singh), the Government of India may have to look for three qualities in the 'new leader'.
There will be one condition or rather handicap. The BJP high command cannot impose Biren Singh as the state Chief Minister though the former CM has not given up hopes on his good luck.
Secondly, the three qualities - the new leader should have is to - Deliver Governance, has to ensure communal amity and thirdly be a firm administrator when it comes to law and order situation and even matters concerning international border.
These expectations will be bit high; and hence President's Rule is the reality for the time being.
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| 2023 - Assam Rifles repairing damaged water pipes during mayhem |
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