In a major political development, the National People's Party (NPP), led by Conrad Sangma, has announced its decision to withdraw support from the BJP-led government in Manipur over the deteriorating law and order situation. The NPP has seven seats in the 60-member Legislative Assembly, but this move is unlikely to destabilize the government as the BJP retains a clear majority with 32 seats.
The Kuki People's Alliance (KPA), which has two seats, withdrew its support from Biren Singh's government in August 2023.
Despite the withdrawal of these nine MLAs, the BJP remains in a strong position in Manipur with its 32 seats, retaining a simple majority in the assembly.
The BJP's allies, including JD(U) with six seats, and the Naga People's Front (NPF) with five seats, continue to support the government, besides three independent MLAs. This consolidates the BJP's control even as rifts emerge within the coalition.
The KPA and NPP's decision to part ways highlights rising tensions within the ruling alliance, although it will not immediately impact the BJP's ability to govern.
Seat distribution in Manipur Assembly: BJP has majority
Here is the current seat distribution among the political parties in the state:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 32 seats
Naga People's Front (NPF): 5 seats
National People's Party (NPP): 7 seats
Janata Dal (United) [JDU]: 6 seats
Indian National Congress (INC): 5 seats
Kuki People's Alliance (KPA): 2 seats
Independents (IND): 3 seats
Follow live updates of the violence in Manipur here
Violence in Manipur escalates as protesters attack MLAs' homes
Manipur remains in turmoil as ethnic tensions continue to escalate between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups from the neighboring hills. The state has seen more than 200 deaths and widespread arson since May last year, with property damage running into the order of several crore rupees.
Fresh violence broke out on Saturday evening despite the imposition of an indefinite curfew following protests following the killing of three women and children by militants in Jiribam district. In retaliation, angry mobs attacked the houses of three state ministers and six MLAs. The residences of Minister Govindas Konthoujam, BJP MLA Y Radheshyam, BJP MLA Paonam Brojen and Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar were set on fire by the protesters.
Tense calm prevailed in the five districts of Imphal Valley on Sunday morning, where curfew was enforced and internet services were suspended.
Police arrested 23 people on Sunday for looting and burning the homes of lawmakers and ministers, as hundreds defied the curfew to protest the recent killings. The violence, which marks the second day of unrest, has led to a standoff in Imphal, the state capital.
Fueling tensions further, the body of a woman, believed to be part of a missing Meitei family, was found in a river on Sunday, while three other bodies, including two children, were recovered on Friday. Last week, a 31-year-old woman from the Kuki community was burned alive, an act that has sparked outrage. Kuki groups have accused Meitei militants of being behind the incident, further deepening divisions in the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reviewed the security situation in Manipur. Returning to Delhi after canceling his election rallies in Maharashtra, Shah directed top security officials to take urgent steps to restore peace in the violence-hit northeastern state.
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