Manipur Violence & Politics: Why NPP’s Conrad Sangma Broke Alliance With BJP Govt?

A big shocker is now added to the ongoing Manipur violence. NPP, the national people’s party withdrew its support from the BJP-led Manipur government. The Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party posted an official letter, expressing "deep concern" over the prevailing law and order situation in the state. The letter was directed to BJP national president JP Nadda, NPP said and we quote “the Manipur state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has completely failed to control the ethnic violence in the state and restore normalcy. Now, we all are aware of the horrible situation in Manipur. Since May 2023, the state has been reeling from ethnic conflict between Kuki and Meitei communities. 

The situation continues to be volatile with the recent occurrence of violent protests that erupted following the discovery of six bodies, including women and children of Meitei community, alleged to have been abducted and murdered by militants in Jiribam district. Army and Assam Rifles personnel were deployed to restore order amidst widespread anger of the locals. In response to escalating protests, Manipur authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew across several districts of Imphal and suspended internet services in seven districts. 

In this regard, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting with senior officials in the national capital to assess the security situation in Manipur. Reportedly, the NIA, National Investigation Agency is directed to probe into this matter and detect the criminals behind this heinous offense. The Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Anish Dayal Singh also reached Manipur to take stock of the situation. Despite losing a key ally in Manipur, the BJP government is most likely to stay stable in the Manipur Assembly. 

The conflict between communities in Manipur has already taken a heavy toll, claiming many lives. The situation now stands at a grim juncture, with the people clinging to a single hope—the hope of restoring peace to a region torn apart by violence.