Two years after ethnic violence engulfed Manipur in 2023, BJP Kuki Meitei MLAs meet in Delhi for the first time together, marking a rare political convergence in a deeply divided state. The meeting, held on Sunday, December 14, has triggered renewed political speculation, particularly over the possibility of restoring an elected government in Manipur.
The interaction comes at a time when the northeastern state continues to remain under President’s Rule. Since the outbreak of violence, political engagement between legislators from the Meitei-dominated valley and the Kuki-inhabited hills has remained minimal. Therefore, the Delhi meeting has drawn attention for its timing, symbolism, and potential implications.
Although the BJP has not issued any formal statement detailing the agenda or outcome of the meeting, political observers see it as an exploratory step aimed at assessing whether common ground can be found within the party.
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Significance of the meeting under President’s Rule
Manipur has been under President’s Rule following prolonged unrest that severely disrupted governance and public order. The ethnic conflict not only displaced thousands but also paralysed political functioning, making it difficult for the state assembly to operate effectively.
Against this backdrop, the fact that BJP Kuki Meitei MLAs meet at all is being viewed as a politically meaningful development. Since the imposition of Article 356, most political engagement has occurred through administrative channels rather than legislative dialogue.
Sources indicate that the meeting focused on reviewing the current situation in Manipur and discussing the political road ahead. While no immediate decision appears to have been taken, the interaction suggests that the Centre may be evaluating whether conditions are gradually becoming conducive for political restoration.
Hills and valleys divide at the heart of Manipur crisis
The ethnic geography of Manipur lies at the core of the crisis. The Imphal valley is largely inhabited by the Meitei community, while the surrounding hill districts are predominantly home to the Kuki community. The 2023 violence widened existing social, political, and administrative divides between these regions.
Years of mistrust and unresolved grievances have made political dialogue extremely sensitive. As a result, meetings involving representatives from both communities have been rare and often avoided. Therefore, when BJP Kuki Meitei MLAs meet in a shared political space, it carries symbolic weight beyond immediate political calculations.
However, analysts caution that symbolism alone cannot resolve long-standing issues. Any meaningful political progress would require sustained engagement, confidence-building measures, and tangible steps toward reconciliation.
President Murmu’s visit and message of unity
The meeting also comes shortly after President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day visit to Manipur on December 11 and 12. During her visit, the President emphasised that the hills and valleys of Manipur complement each other, underlining the importance of unity and coexistence.
She spoke about the need to establish peace and restore normalcy in the conflict-ridden state. Her remarks were widely interpreted as a moral appeal for reconciliation and dialogue, rather than division.
In this context, the timing of the meeting gains additional relevance. While the President’s role remains constitutionally non-political, her words often shape broader national conversations. The Delhi meeting appears aligned with the Centre’s stated objective of encouraging dialogue within constitutional frameworks.
Speculation over BJP’s political roadmap in Manipur
As BJP Kuki Meitei MLAs meet after a long gap, speculation has intensified over the BJP’s next move in Manipur. The party continues to hold a majority of seats in the state assembly, even though the House remains suspended.
Political observers believe the BJP leadership may be internally assessing whether a workable consensus can be achieved among its legislators. Without cooperation between MLAs from both communities, restoring an elected government would remain challenging.
At the same time, there is no official indication that President’s Rule will be lifted in the immediate future. Any such decision would depend on ground conditions, security assessments, and the willingness of political actors to engage constructively.
A cautious step toward dialogue and stability
While challenges remain significant, the moment when BJP Kuki Meitei MLAs meet in Delhi represents a cautious step toward political engagement in Manipur. For a state that has endured prolonged instability, even limited dialogue carries importance.
For the people of Manipur, the meeting offers a tentative signal that political channels are not entirely closed. Whether this interaction leads to concrete outcomes will depend on follow-up actions and sustained dialogue.
In the coming weeks, attention will remain focused on whether similar engagements continue and whether they translate into broader political consensus. For now, the Delhi meeting stands as a rare instance of political convergence in a fractured landscape.
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