Sangma strikes right chord in reaching out with anti-SA stand
'Meaningful engagement is the need'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2025: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has stated that the National People's Party (NPP) is against any demand for a separate administration in Manipur through the bifurcation of the State, emphasizing the party's commitment to maintaining unity and stability.

He also said that he does not prioritize the formation of a popular Government over efforts to restore normalcy and promote the well-being of Manipur.

Conrad Sangma who was on a two day trip to Manipur headed for Nagaland's Dimapur by road today after meeting different community leaders, internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both Meitei and Kuki communities, NPP MLAs, party functionaries, and other stakeholders to discuss restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

Sangma strikes right chord in reaching out with anti-SA stand

Addressing a press briefing at Classic Grande at Chingmeirong before his departure, Sangma reiterated that the NPP strongly opposes any move that threatens the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur.

There should be no compromise on Manipur's territorial integrity, he said and stated that the ongoing crisis can be resolved through meaningful engagements if both warring sides are willing to negotiate.

Administrative arrangements within Manipur's geographical and Constitutional boundaries are possible, but the NPP firmly opposes any move to bifurcate the State, he maintained.

Acknowledging the heavy toll the protracted crisis has taken on all communities in the State, he stressed the importance of pursuing a lasting solution through dialogue.

Every problem or issue must have a solution, he said and stressed that negotiations involving all communities and stakeholders concerned are imperative to guide Manipur toward lasting peace and stability.

Manipur has suffered enough, it is time to work towards peace through dialogue and collective resolve.

He also said that he has met various stakeholders, party MLAs, functionaries, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to discuss the crisis affecting the State.

Welcoming all suggestions, he affirmed that the NPP is committed to playing a significant role in restoring normalcy in Manipur.

Saying that NPP takes the issues of restricted movement on National Highways, widespread poppy cultivation in Manipur's hill districts, and illegal immigration in North East India very seriously, he affirmed that the NPP will make every effort to address these challenges.

On border fencing and Free Movement Regime (FMR), the NPP chief urged the Centre to take the local people on board.

"Naga CSOs have raised the issue of border fencing and scrapping of FMR.

We are very clear that these require a lot of engagement.

While the Centre intends to ensure proper identification of citizens and those who are not citizens of India, there are, of course, historical and cultural factors, which are equally important," he said.

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allowed people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without a visa.

"We urge the Centre that whatever decisions the Government takes, they must take local people on board to discuss and find a way," Sangma added.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister also said that he discussed the Manipur crisis with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and submitted a memorandum to him.

Should the Central Government form a Government in Manipur, the NPP will decide whether to support it only after consultations with party MLAs and functionaries, prioritizing the interests of the people, he said.

He stated that NPP which was formed in Manipur doesn't work on high command instructions.

To a media query, Sangma said that NPP decided to withdraw support from the now suspended Government because of the N Biren Singh leadership.

When asked if there is any difference of opinions among the NPP MLAs, he responded that democratic voices emerge among leaders in all parties not just NPP and the same cannot be taken as dissension.

The press briefing was also attended by NPP Manipur president Y Joykumar, working president Sheikh Noorul Hassan (Kshetrigao AC MLA), and other party MLAs viz I Nalini, Kh Loken, Janghemlung Panmei and M Rameshwar.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister, on his way to Dimapur, also met Kuki CSO leaders and IDPs at Kangpokpi.

He also met some Naga representatives in Senapati.

While in Senapati, Sangma went to the residence of former party MLA (Tadubi ) N Kayisii and met his family.