“Popular Government Is the Only Means to Bring Peace and Normalcy in Manipur,” Say 21 MLAs 

21 MLAs urged centre for Restoration of Popular Government, May Stake Claim After May 15

In a latest significant political development, 21 sitting MLAs from Manipur have submitted a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the immediate restoration of a popular government in the state. The memorandum, dated April 10 and formally received by both offices on April 29, highlights the growing discontent over the prolonged imposition of President’s Rule, which has been in place since February 13, 2025.

The MLAs, cutting across regions and communities, expressed that while President’s Rule was initially welcomed with hope, the reality on the ground remains grim. “It is going to be almost three months since President’s Rule was imposed but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy in the state is seen so far,” they wrote. The legislators voiced deep concern over the continued ethnic divide, lack of trust, and administrative paralysis affecting both valley and hill districts.

The memorandum warned of escalating public unrest: “There is a strong apprehension among the common people that the violence may reoccur again in the state… Civil Society Organisations have come out openly against the imposition of the President’s Rule.” The MLAs emphasized that several local organisations have mounted pressure on them for not initiating steps toward forming a government, cautioning that further delay may aggravate the fragile situation.

“There is a strong demand from the people to bring back the elected popular Government in the state and most of the Civil Society Organisations are blaming the elected MLAs for not staking claim for formation of the popular Government,” the letter continued, calling attention to mounting frustration among the electorate.

The letter concluded with a plea to the Union leadership, stating: “Installation of a popular Government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur. We assure you that we will work with full dedication and devotion to bring peace and normalcy in our state after installation of a popular Government.”

Meanwhile, a high-level sources have revealed that if no positive response is received from New Delhi, the MLAs are preparing to stake a formal claim to form the government after May 15. These sources disclosed that the group currently commands the support of at least 32 MLAs under the NDA umbrella—enough to cross the majority mark in the 60-member Assembly(now 59).

The signatories to the memorandum include legislators from both the BJP and its NDA allies, such as L. Rameshwor Meetei of Keirao, P. Brojen Singh of Wangjing-Tentha, Kh. Raghumani Singh of Uripok, T. Robindro Singh of Thanga, Dr. Y. Radheshyam Singh of Hiyanglam, Yumnam Khemchand of Singjamei, Janghemlung Panmei of Tamenglong, Th. Radheshyam of Heirok, Nishikant Sapam of Keishamthong , S. Rajen Singh of Lamsang AC, Kh. Loken Singh of Wangoi, J. Kumo Sha of Karong, Sheikh Noorul Hassan of Kshetrigao, K. Robindro of Mayang Imphal, Thangjam Arunkumar of Wangkhei, Leishiyo Keishing of Phungyar, Kh. Joykisan Singh of Thangmeiband, S. Kebi Devi of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Losii Dikho of Mao, and Ram Muivah of Ukhrul, Md Achab Uddin of Jiribam.

This collective move marks a rare convergence of voices from diverse constituencies, reflecting a unified urgency to return Manipur to democratic governance.