In a major political development amid the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, a delegation of 10 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs)—of which 8 belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The MLAs formally staked claim to form a popular government in the northeastern state which has been under President’s Rule since February 13 this year.

A Call for Restoration of Democracy

Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh, who was part of the delegation, stated that the majority of people in the state want a democratically elected, popular government, not one administered by the Centre under President's Rule.

He said, “The people want a government of the people. That is why we came to meet the Governor. We discussed the current functioning of President's Rule and why a return to a popular mandate is necessary. We submitted a signed document with around 22 supporting MLAs, although only 10 of us could meet the Governor today."

Singh added, “The Governor was responsive and positive. We are hopeful that the formation of the government will happen soon. All NDA MLAs in Manipur are determined to restore popular governance.”

This push comes at a critical time when the state, riven by ethnic violence and political stagnation, finds itself without an elected government. The Manipur Legislative Assembly is in suspended animation, even though its term officially lasts until 2027.

Ex-Chief Minister Weighs In

Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who resigned earlier this year following unrelenting violence and political pressure, also met Governor Bhalla on Tuesday. Singh revealed that he had discussed the prevailing situation, especially the fallout from the Gwaltabi incident that has rocked the Imphal Valley.

Singh remarked, “The protests over the Gwaltabi episode have escalated tensions. I urged the Governor to invite protestors for dialogue and initiate steps to address grievances.”

He also spoke about the dire condition of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Thousands have been rendered homeless due to ongoing ethnic clashes primarily between the Meitei community of the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribes of the hill areas.

Singh emphasized, “There are IDPs living in relief camps with no certainty about their future. Moreover, national highways remain blocked, and this affects essential supplies. I requested the Governor to intervene on humanitarian grounds.”

A Security and Demographic Crisis

One of the most contentious issues affecting Manipur is the proliferation of illegal arms and the alleged influx of illegal immigrants from neighboring Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Singh urged Governor Bhalla to disarm those in illegal possession of weapons to foster peace and begin a process of stabilization in the conflict-torn state.

In a noteworthy move, he also lauded the Ministry of Home Affairs for its recent directive setting a 30-day deadline to identify illegal immigrants in Manipur. Singh said this decision has been in motion since 2021, when Letpao Haokip led a sub-committee to tackle illegal migration.

“The Centre’s decision to fix a timeframe of 30 days to identify immigrants is commendable. We had already started this process in 2021. I have submitted all relevant documents to the Governor," Singh noted.

Gwaltabi Incident: A Flashpoint

The Gwaltabi incident that triggered a fresh wave of protests involved an unfortunate episode where a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul was reportedly stopped at a checkpost, and staff were forced to cover the state's name on the windshield with white paper. This incident was perceived as humiliating and politically motivated by the local population.

Singh emphasized that such actions by security forces, if unchecked, could aggravate tensions and undermine public confidence in the administration.

Ethnic Violence: A Persistent Crisis

Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed severe ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The violence has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands, leaving large swathes of the population in relief camps or makeshift shelters.

Despite several visits by central government representatives and the deployment of paramilitary forces, normalcy has remained elusive. Manipur remains one of the most volatile states in India’s northeast at present.

Assembly on Hold, But Mandate Still Valid

The Manipur Legislative Assembly, though suspended since the imposition of President’s Rule, continues to have constitutional validity until 2027. This means that technically, the MLAs elected in the last assembly elections can regroup and stake claim to form the government—which is precisely what has been attempted by the 10 MLAs and their broader coalition of 22 NDA-backed legislators.

Political analysts suggest that if the Governor finds their claim legitimate, he may invite them to prove majority on the floor of the house, ending months of administrative limbo.

Outlook: Fragile Hope Amidst Unrest

The recent attempt to restore a democratically elected government is being viewed with cautious optimism. While popular sentiment in many parts of Manipur supports the move, others remain skeptical, especially given the fragile communal balance and the humanitarian crisis still underway.

Key questions remain:

• Will the Governor move swiftly to reconstitute a government?

• Can any administration operate effectively without disarming illegal groups and reopening the vital transport routes?

• Will peace prevail if core ethnic tensions and the issue of illegal immigration are not addressed transparently?

For now, the political will is evident, but translating it into tangible peace and governance remains a formidable challenge.

Conclusion:

Manipur stands at a critical juncture. The meeting of 10 MLAs with Governor Bhalla signals the beginning of a potential transition back to democratic governance. With popular demand for representation rising and pressures from both humanitarian and political fronts, the days ahead will determine whether Manipur can recover from its crisis and chart a new course for peace and stability.

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