A group of 21 legislators from Manipur have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the immediate restoration of an elected government in the state, which has been under President’s Rule since February.
The appeal, submitted on Tuesday, was spearheaded by BJP MLA Lourembam Rameshwar Meitei of the Keirao Assembly Constituency. Among the signatories are 14 MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), three from the National People’s Party (NPP), two from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), and two independents. Ten Kuki-Zo community legislators have also endorsed the move.
Prominent signatories include BJP MLAs Paonam Brojen (Wangjing Tentha), Kh. Raghumani Singh (Uripok), T. Robindro Singh (Thanga), Y. Radheshyam Singh (Hiyanglam), and Md. Achab Uddin (Jiribam, formerly JD(U)). Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong, NPP) is also among those backing the letter.
Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid deepening internal rifts within the BJP and criticism over his handling of the ongoing Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict. The state assembly remains under suspended animation.
In their letter, the MLAs acknowledged that President’s Rule was initially welcomed by the public. However, they expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress toward restoring peace and governance, stating, “The people of Manipur welcomed the President’s Rule imposed on 13th February 2025, with hope and expectations. However, nearly three months later, no visible actions to restore peace and normalcy have been seen.”
The lawmakers have urged the Centre to expedite efforts to form a “popular government” that can effectively address the state’s political and ethnic challenges.
