Imphal, May 30 (UNI) BJP MLAs are huddled in closed- door meetings amid speculation over the reinstatement of a popular government in Manipur.

President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. Ethnic clashes erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, causing the loss of lives of hundreds of people.

The BJP with 32 MLAs formed the government in the state for the first time with a majority in 2022.

On Wednesday 10 MLAs, including eight from the BJP, one from the NPP, and one Independent MLA, met Governor AK Bhalla at Raj Bhavan and demanded the formation of a "popular" government in the state.

Their meeting followed a civil disobedience drive in the valley led by a Meitei outfit that alleged that Central forces had insulted the state's identity by masking the words "Manipur State Transport" on a state-run bus on May 20.

Governor AK Bhalla is holding talks with a series of BJP MLAs, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Th Radheshyam, former Education Minister.

Th Radheshyam, a decorated IPS officer, had led a team of 10 MLAs with a claim that 44 MLAs were ready to support any leader. Radheshyam said the leader will be chosen by the central leaders.

Meanwhile, Manipur Speaker Th Satyabrata is in New Delhi to discuss the ministry formation. Legislators are tightlipped about the development. However, they indicated that the central BJP leaders might take a decision soon.

Sources said the MLAs are anxious as the next Assembly elections are due early 2027 and if popular government is not installed, the BJP may not be able to command confidence and support of the people in the next elections.

The Manipur Assembly has 60 seats, of which one is vacant due to the death of an MLA.

"There is no question of differences among BJP MLAs as all will abide by the decision of the central leaders," said a state BJP leader.

A huge task awaits the new leader who will have to wrestle with a political scenario where over 60,000 persons are still not able to return to their homes and people are not able to travel on the national highways as two communities are locked in a deadly conflict since 2023.

None of the BJP MLAs has yet been given appointment by the Prime Minister since the outbreak of the crisis, which has led to disappointment among the ruling party MLAs.

The President’s rule has made little impact on the ground as none of the organizations has surrendered arms to the government in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts -- the hotspots of Kuki militant outfits.

On the other hand, all village volunteers in the valley areas have laid down arms as suggested by the government.

An attempt by the Centre to make the national highway free for all failed miserably on March 8 last when Kuki villagers stopped the movement of vehicles and over 20 security personnel were injured in the clashes in which a civilian died.

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