IMPHAL, June 19: Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh on Thursday said that a change in the state’s administration, which is currently under the President’s rule, is “inevitable”. He also said a popular government should be formed in Manipur, which has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 2023.

Speaking to reporters, Speaker Satyabrata said, “I heard that groups are being constituted for the formation of a government. I also heard someone from Delhi will be deputed for the government formation. However, I am not involved in anything as I am in the Assembly.” Emphasizing the need for restoration of democratic processes, he added, “A definite change will certainly come as the duration of the President’s rule has a specific time frame. A popular government should be formed.”

The Yaiskul constituency MLA further expressed confidence that legislators will act according to the people’s mandate. His statement comes amid reports of several Manipur MLAs meeting the Governor and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to push for an early return to elected governance.

Additionally, Satyabrata also underlined that public welfare projects should not be politicised. Inaugurating a newly constructed mandav (community prayer hall) of Shree Shree Gopinath, funded under the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) scheme, he said the project fulfilled a long-standing demand of local residents.

“The mandav was constructed through proper procedures and with community participation. Even though the Assembly is suspended, developmental proposals under the Planning and Resources department are still being processed,” he noted. He urged fellow legislators to be mindful of public expectations and to continue delivering on development, regardless of political uncertainties.