IMPHAL, May 12: Manipur’s lone Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba, on Sunday expressed optimism that a popular government would be installed in the violence-hit state within the next couple of months. He urged political leaders across party lines to set aside personal ambitions and work together in the interest of the people.
Amid growing public criticism that elected representatives have failed to act decisively during the prolonged crisis, the BJP parliamentarian acknowledged that internal divisions had resulted in the imposition of President’s Rule in the state.
He said, “We have placed personal ambition above the state’s interests. The imposition of President’s Rule happened because we prioritised power and self-interest over Manipur’s welfare,” while calling for a unified political front to address the situation.
His remarks come as political momentum builds to restore an elected government in the strife-torn state. On May 5, BJP Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra visited Churachandpur and held meetings with key Kuki leaders, including Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte — a survivor of last year’s mob attack in Imphal — and Churachandpur MLA L. M. Khaute.
During the visit, Patra also engaged in dialogue with representatives from the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), who submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns, and also met leaders from the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) and Zomi Council (ZC).
These closed-door meetings underscore the BJP’s continued efforts to foster dialogue with community stakeholders amid deep-rooted ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Patra’s visit follows a letter submitted by 21 legislators from Manipur to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to expedite the formation of a popular government to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
