Naga MLAs acting as mediators, meet estranged colleagues
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 27 2025: Amid growing pressure on legislators to restore a popular government in the state before the six-month period of President's Rule ends, speculations have intensified over the involvement of Naga MLAs in brokering talks between Meetei and Kuki legislators.

According to an informed source, Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs Awangbow Newmai and Leishiyo Keis-hing, travelled to Moreh on Friday morning where they reportedly held an extensive discussion with MLA Letpao Haokip over a meal.

While the specifics of the conversation remain undisclosed, the source said that the talks likely centred on finding a path forward to resolve the ongoing deadlock and form a government.

According to the source, this meeting came in the wake of a recent discussion between union home minister Amit Shah and some NPF MLAs in New Delhi.

During the meeting, Amit Shah is said to have entrusted the NPF legislators with the role of mediators between Kuki and Meetei MLAs to help bring the two sides to a consensus.

Friday's meeting with Letpao Haokip, a Kuki, is believed to be a follow-up to the NPF MLAs' meeting with the home minister.

The discussion reportedly took place at Let-pao's home village, located opposite to Chikim village near Kondong Lairembi along the Imphal-Moreh road.

Later in the night, after returning from Moreh, Awangbow and Leishiyo visited the residence of Bishnupur MLA Govindas Konthoujam.

A meeting was held there, which was reportedly attended by former CM N Biren, MLAs I Nalini, S Premchandra, S Kunjakeshwar, Kh Ibomcha, Th Shanti, Md Abdul Nasir, Heikham Dingo, Karam Shyam, Khashim Vashum, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba.

Although no concrete details have emerged regarding the meeting, the source said that the discussions likely revolved around exploring possibilities for the restoration of an elected government before the completion of the six-month period of President's Rule on August 13.It may be noted that BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda had also met BJP national president JP Nadda, general secretary BL Santosh and other senior party leaders in New Delhi recently.

According to MLA Kh Ibomcha, she visited the national capital and met party leaders at the request of BJP MLAs, following a meeting held on May 30 at the residence of MLA Th Biswajit.

President's Rule was imposed in the state on February 13, 2025, and will complete its six-month term on August 13 .

Under constitutional provisions, extension of President's Rule beyond six months could trigger dissolution of the state assembly unless Parliament approves a further extension.

With the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament scheduled from July 21 to August 12, and Manipur crisis being a matter of heated national debate, the Central government is believed to be working on a plan to reinstate a popular government in the state before the session begins, the source added.

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