GUWAHATI: The National People's Party (NPP), led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, withdrew its support from the BJP-led government in Manipur on Sunday, November 17.
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In a letter addressed to BJP National President JP Nadda, Sangma expressed “deep concern” over the inability of Chief Minister Biren Singh’s administration to restore peace amid the escalating crisis.
“The situation in Manipur has spiralled out of control, with innocent lives lost and communities suffering. We strongly believe that the current leadership has failed to address these critical issues,” the letter stated. "Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People's Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh led Government in the State of Manipur, with immediate effect."
The NPP legislators who have pulled out of the coalition include Sheikh Noorul Hassan (Kshetrigao), Khuraijam Loken Singh (Wangoi), Irengbam Nalini Devi (Oinam), Thongam Shanti Singh (Moirang), Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh (Kakching), N. Kayisii (Tadubi), and Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong).
Despite the NPP’s withdrawal, the BJP-led government remains stable, with a majority of 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly. The party also retains support from regional allies like the Naga People’s Front (NPF) with five MLAs, one JD(U) legislator, and three Independent MLAs.
Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic violence for over a year, as the ongoing conflict has displaced thousands, leading to a volatile situation across the state. Tensions have escalated in recent times, with violence from the Jiribam district spreading into the capital city of Imphal on Saturday night.