A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs has urged the state’s Governor, Anusuiya Uikey, to intensify arms recovery operations in the hill areas and expedite peace talks between warring communities. The move signals a renewed political push for stability and reconciliation in the violence-hit northeastern state, where sporadic clashes and widespread insecurity have continued for nearly a year.
Meeting the Governor at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal earlier this week, the legislators expressed deep concern over the continued possession of illegal weapons by various groups in the hill districts. They warned that unless the government reasserts control and disarms militant outfits and rogue elements, the peace process could be derailed irreversibly.
Urgent Appeal from Within the Ruling Party
The delegation, which included over a dozen BJP MLAs from both the valley and hill regions, emphasized the need for a unified political approach to restore normalcy. In their memorandum to Governor Uikey, the lawmakers stated: “The presence of illegal arms among civilian and militant groups poses a serious threat to peace efforts. A robust, transparent arms recovery operation is the need of the hour.”
They also called on the central and state governments to revive peace dialogues with all stakeholders—particularly Kuki and Meitei leaders—at the earliest. “Dialogue is not optional anymore—it’s essential,” said one of the MLAs, speaking to reporters outside the Governor’s residence.
Continuing Crisis
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic conflict since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, over issues of land rights, tribal identity, and perceived political neglect. The violence has claimed over 200 lives, displaced thousands, and severely disrupted daily life across the state. Despite the deployment of central security forces and repeated appeals for peace, large swathes of the state remain tense, particularly in the hill districts.
Illegal arms proliferation is a major concern, with both insurgent groups and local militias believed to have stocked weapons. Security analysts have pointed out that multiple arms loots from police armories in 2023 significantly worsened the situation. Recovery operations, though underway, have reportedly yielded limited results due to difficult terrain, local resistance, and lack of intelligence inputs.
Political Responsibility Amid Crisis
What makes this latest appeal significant is that it comes from members of the ruling party, pointing to growing frustration even within BJP ranks over the slow pace of conflict resolution. With elections approaching in the next couple of years, the pressure is mounting on Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the central leadership to deliver a tangible peace roadmap.
The MLAs have suggested that a two-pronged strategy be adopted—one involving an aggressive yet lawful recovery of illegal weapons, and the other focusing on rebuilding trust through meaningful, inclusive dialogue. They also proposed that community leaders be invited for preliminary talks under neutral observation to establish common ground before formal negotiations begin.
Governor’s Assurance
In response, Governor Uikey assured the delegation that she would forward their concerns to the Union Home Ministry and coordinate with relevant agencies for prompt action. “Peace and stability in Manipur is our collective priority,” she said in a brief statement. “All possible steps will be taken to ensure the safety of every citizen and the unity of the state.”
The Road Ahead
Observers note that the BJP MLAs’ intervention reflects the urgency and complexity of the crisis. Their move is not only a plea for security and governance but also a signal to the central leadership that time is running out to prevent further escalation.
As tensions simmer, the coming weeks could be pivotal. If arms recovery efforts are successfully intensified and dialogue mechanisms are reactivated, Manipur may finally see the beginnings of reconciliation. But failure to act decisively may push the state deeper into uncertainty.
For now, Manipur stands at a crossroads—where political will, community cooperation, and timely intervention must converge to restore a fractured peace.