BJP MLAs line up special meeting today
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 23 2025: BJP MLAs of the State would be holding a special meeting tomorrow on the unfolding political scenario following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren and imposition of the President's Rule (suspended animation) in the State.

BJP joint convenors Kh Ibomcha and Kongkham Robindro issued a notice this afternoon about the special meeting which would be held at the residence of MLA Sapam Kunjakeswar (Keba) at Tera Bazar.

It is said that the meeting notice has been sent to all BJP legislators.

The meeting would deliberate on reinstatement of a popular Government as well as the current law and order situation.

BJP MLAs line up special meeting today

The meeting may also deliberate on the possible volatile situation which may stem from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal issued on February 20 to all the people in possession of illegal arms to surrender the same arms within seven days, said a source.

With the Centre not convinced that reinstatement of a popular Government or election of a new leader would be able to bring peace and normalcy in the State, President's Rule is likely to stay here for sometime in order to bring the law and order situation under control and initiate a peace process between the two communities in conflict, said the source.

Although BJP has more than enough MLAs to form a Government, the Centre's priority is improving the law and order situation and bringing a solution to the protracted crisis, not the formation of a popular Government.

Moreover, Kuki MLAs are unlikely to be part of a new Government if the Government is formed at the moment.

Notably, BJP MLAs belonging to the Kuki community have openly declared that they would not drop the demand for Separate Administration even after N Biren had resigned from the post of Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, the Government of India has been working to invite CSOs and MLAs of both the Kuki and Meitei communities to peace talks, said the source.

On the other hand, questions have been raised whether the PR Government will be able to recover all the weapons which are in the possession of Kukis.

The number of weapons looted from police stations, police outposts, Manipur Rifles and IRB camps was greater in the valley as compared to the hills.

All the weapons being held by Meitei village volunteers are those looted from police stations and security forces.

But the weapons in possession of Kukis include those looted from police stations, security forces, weapons registered under SoO agreement, licensed guns, locally made guns and a huge number of sophisticated weapons smuggled from Myanmar.

Even if the Kukis surrender all the weapons looted from police stations and security forces in compliance with the Governor's appeal, the huge number of weapons including those smuggled from Myanmar, weapons registered under SoO agreement and locally made weapons will remain in their possession, sources said.

Many quarters have started questioning whether the Government will carry out extensive search operations in the hill areas to recover these weapons or whether the status quo will remain.