Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) Withdraws Support to BJP-Led Manipur Govt

Imphal: The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) withdrew its support to the N. Biren Singh-led BJP government, reported The Telegraph. A major Meitei organisation called for a “social boycott” of the administration.

Meanwhile, the Centre sent 10 more companies of paramilitary forces to communal violence-hit Manipur.

The KPA has two MLAs in the Manipur Assembly. In a letter to Governor Anusuiya Uikey, the KPA stated, “After careful consideration of the current conflagration, the continued support for the incumbent government of Manipur led by chief minister N. Biren Singh is no longer fructuous.”

“Accordingly, the support of the KPA to the government of Manipur is hereby withdrawn and can be considered null and void,” the letter, signed by party president Tongmang Haokip, added.

But this withdrawal of support will have no impact on the Biren Singh government as it still has a majority in the 60-member House. The BJP had won 32 seats on its own in the 2022 polls, one more than simple majority, while five JDU MLAs joined it last year. The lone remaining JDU MLA, the NPP (7) and the NPF (5) are with the government.

All 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including the seven from the BJP, two from the KPA and one Independent, have been demanding an administration separate from Manipur soon after the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis erupted on May 3, leaving at least 165 dead and 60,000 displaced till now.