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The political landscape of Manipur is experiencing significant tremors following a meeting convened by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on November 18, 2024, to address the escalating law and order situation. The meeting's aftermath has exposed deep fissures within the ruling coalition, with the Chief Minister's Secretariat issuing notices to 11 MLAs, including ministers, for their absence. This act underscores the growing instability within the state government and raises questions about its ability to effectively govern amidst ongoing ethnic tensions and political maneuvering.
Among the MLAs receiving notices is Sheikh Noorul Hassan from the National People's Party (NPP), a party that dramatically withdrew its support from the BJP-led government just a day prior. This withdrawal significantly weakens the ruling coalition's numerical strength in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The NPP's action adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation, highlighting the internal struggles and shifting alliances within the state's political arena. The irony of the situation is further compounded by the fact that the NPP itself issued show-cause notices to three of its own MLAs – Mayanglambam Rameswhar Singh, Thongam Shanti Singh, and Irengbam Nalini Devi – for attending the Chief Minister's meeting despite the party's official withdrawal of support. This internal conflict within the NPP mirrors the broader political instability gripping Manipur.
The absence of several MLAs, including those from the BJP and the independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh, further emphasizes the precariousness of the government's position. The reasons for their absence remain unclear, but the notices issued suggest a serious attempt by the Chief Minister to assert control and discipline within his ranks. The incident involving the Tamenglong MLA, Janghemlung Panmei, whose signature was allegedly forged to indicate his presence, only adds to the air of suspicion and internal conflict that currently pervades Manipur's political landscape. Such actions erode public trust and raise concerns about the integrity of the political process.
The controversy extends beyond the internal affairs of the ruling coalition. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh seized upon the low attendance at the meeting to suggest that the BJP's grip on power in Manipur is weakening. His statement, highlighting the stark difference between the expected attendance and the actual turnout, effectively paints a picture of a government struggling to maintain its authority. The fact that only 26 MLAs, including the Chief Minister, attended the meeting, out of a total of 60, is a significant indicator of the discontent and instability within the ruling alliance. This observation is further bolstered by the NPP's withdrawal of support, which leaves the NDA with a significantly reduced majority of 46 MLAs.
The precarious situation is further complicated by the absence of eight Kuki-Zo MLAs, who remain outside the Imphal Valley following the ethnic clashes that erupted in May 2023. Their absence from the crucial meeting highlights the deep divisions and ongoing security challenges faced by the state. The ethnic violence continues to cast a long shadow over Manipur's political and social fabric, exacerbating the already strained relations between the different communities. The political instability only serves to further complicate efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and to restore peace and stability in the region. The ongoing situation warrants close monitoring and requires a comprehensive strategy to address both the political and the ethnic tensions that are tearing Manipur apart.
In conclusion, the notices issued to 11 MLAs for skipping the Chief Minister's meeting serve as a stark reminder of the profound political instability that currently grips Manipur. The NPP's withdrawal of support, internal conflicts within the ruling coalition, and the ongoing ethnic violence all contribute to a climate of uncertainty and instability. The low attendance at the meeting, coupled with the various irregularities surrounding the event, raises serious concerns about the government's ability to effectively address the myriad challenges facing the state. The future of Manipur's political landscape remains uncertain, and the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the state can navigate these turbulent waters and restore stability.
Source: 11 Manipur MLAs get notice for not attending CM Biren Singh’s meeting