Imphal

The National People’s Party (NPP), which withdrew its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur on November 17, citing the government’s failure to resolve the ongoing ethnic crisis, has directed its MLAs and leaders to avoid attending meetings convened by Chief Minister Biren Singh. The party warned that disciplinary action would be taken against those who defy this directive.

NPP state President N. Kayisii issued an advisory instructing all members to abstain from participating in any such meetings. The advisory also emphasized that any official press or media statements must first be cleared by either the state or national party president. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary measures. The advisory was circulated to all NPP MLAs in Manipur, including party Vice-President Y. Joykumar Singh, and other key party officials.

NPP supremo and Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma clarified that the party’s withdrawal of support was solely aimed at the Biren Singh government and not the BJP or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He added that the NPP continues to support BJP-led governments in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Despite the NPP’s withdrawal, the BJP government in Manipur remains stable with support from other allies. However, the ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023 remains unresolved, with tribal MLAs boycotting the Assembly and calling for a separate administration for tribals.