Sambit meets Biren, speaker, Kuki MLAs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 05 2025:
BJP's North East in-charge Sambit Patra on Monday held closed-door meetings with former chief minister N Biren Singh, besides interacting with some Kuki legislators in Churachandpur town.
Sambit Patra met N Biren at the latter's private residence in Luwangshangbam in Imphal East district.
"Some BJP MLAs were also present during the closed-door meeting with Biren Singh, which lasted for more than an hour," party sources said.
Patra then met Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh at his residence in Bamon Leikai.
The BJP leader is also expected to meet more party MLAs at a city hotel, the sources said.
Soon after his arrival, Patra headed to Churachandpur district headquarters where he met two Kuki-Zo MLAs and leaders of the Zomi Student Federation (ZSF), who submitted a memorandum to him.
Samit Patra, who is also BJP national spokesperson met Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte, who survived mob attack on May 4, 2023 in Imphal.
Sambit Patra landed at the helipad of STC/BSF and went straight to the residence of MLA Vungzagin Valte.
He was seen shaking hands with MLA Vungzagin Valte and then entered into a room.
Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute and leaders of ZSF were also present at Vungzagin Valte's residence.
ZSF leaders were seen submitting a memorandum to the central leader but details could not be ascertained immediately.
The visiting central leader emerged out of the room after about 30 minutes but refused to divulge anything when media persons waiting outside questioned the purpose of his visit.
The only word he uttered was 'It is an unofficial visit' and nothing.
Meanwhile, a source informed that Sambit Patra had closed door meeting with leaders of Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and Zomi Council (ZC) at STC/BSF Churachandpur complex before leaving the town.
Sambit, after a series of meetings, invited BJP MLAs for a meeting at a City hotel, sparking speculation about fresh efforts at government formation, sources said.
But neither Patra, nor any leader of the BJP have commented on this.
Manipur has been under President s Rule and there is a growing demand for a popular government.
Recently, 21 BJP MLAs had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the request.
Patra later met former chief minister N Biren, followed by his last stop at the residence of Speaker Satyabrata.
Sources said that his series of meetings at a hotel, included MLAs Sanasam Premchandra, Karam Shyam, L Susindro, Awangbow Newmai, Losii Dekho, and others.
On February 13, the Centre imposed President's rule in the violence-hit state after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned.
The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki tribes in Manipur since May 2023.Patra's visit comes nearly a week after 21 Manipur MLAs wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to form a "popular government" in the state, to ensure peace and normalcy.
The letters were received separately by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 29.It remains unclear whether Patra will meet with the group of 21 MLAs who recently submitted a memorandum to the Centre, urging the formation of a new government in the state.
The memorandum was signed by 13 BJP legislators, along with three from the National People's Party (NPP), three from the Naga People's Front (NPF), and two independents.
In their joint appeal, the MLAs stated: "We feel that the installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur" .
This marks Sambit Patra's first visit to Manipur since February, and his presence is being closely watched as political pressure builds for a return to democratic governance.
(With inputs from Agencies) .
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