Former Manipur CM N. Biren Singh asserts that all BJP legislators are united in forming a popular government to restore stability and address the plight of Internally Displaced Persons amid ongoing humanitarian challenges under President’s Rule in Manipur.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday reaffirmed that all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators in Manipur remain united in their efforts to form a popular and stable government in the state, months after President’s Rule was imposed following prolonged ethnic violence.
Speaking to the media during the observance of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Singh said that the process of government formation in Manipur is already in motion. He emphasized that the restoration of a popularly elected government is essential to resolving the humanitarian and administrative challenges that continue to affect the violence-hit state.
Singh, who resigned as Chief Minister on February 9 — four days before President’s Rule came into effect — maintained that the BJP’s legislative wing is working cohesively toward re-establishing governance through democratic means. “All BJP legislators are united in our stand. The people of Manipur want an elected government that can address their needs and bring back stability,” Singh told reporters.
While refraining from commenting on individual statements made by legislators regarding leadership or ministerial aspirations, Singh stressed the collective goal of restoring governance for the benefit of the people. “We are not discussing who will become what. Our focus is on bringing back a government that represents the people’s will,” he said.
Focus on IDPs and Humanitarian Issues
Highlighting the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) still living in temporary relief camps due to ongoing ethnic unrest, the former Chief Minister called for urgent action to improve their conditions.
“There is a strong demand from the public — and also from our side — to address the issues of displaced people and others. Their problems can only be solved if a popular government is formed,” Singh said. He noted that thousands of people continue to suffer from poor living conditions, lack of basic amenities, and delayed rehabilitation efforts.
According to Singh, the installation of a representative government would pave the way for faster decision-making and effective implementation of relief and rehabilitation schemes. “Once a popularly elected government is established, the problems of the displaced families and other issues of the state would be the top priority,” he added.
Meetings with BJP Central Leadership
Recounting his recent visit to New Delhi with 25 other BJP MLAs, Singh said that they had detailed discussions with key leaders of the party regarding the political and humanitarian situation in Manipur.
“We met BJP’s Northeast coordinator Sambit Patra and discussed the Manipur situation with him. He personally came to Manipur Bhavan in Delhi. We informed him that there is a strong public demand that a popular government be installed. We also raised concerns regarding the IDPs,” Singh said.
He added that Patra assured them that the issue would be taken up with the party’s top leadership and that the central leadership is aware that the situation in Manipur has improved considerably.
Singh further revealed that he, along with five other MLAs, met BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh during the Delhi visit. “We requested him that both the public and we, as representatives, demand that a popular ministry be installed as early as possible. He said the demand is being considered seriously and that he would visit Imphal soon,” Singh stated.
Governor’s Efforts and Ground-Level Concerns
The former Chief Minister also praised Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for his administrative efforts and commitment to improving the situation in relief camps. “The Governor is well-qualified and experienced, and he is doing his best to uplift the lives of IDPs,” Singh said.
However, he acknowledged that several IDPs have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of regular contact from bureaucratic officials. “Many displaced people told me that bureaucrats rarely visit the camps and that they are facing severe hardships. As elected representatives, we will also extend all possible help,” Singh added.
IDP Protests Over Low Allowances
Meanwhile, tension is brewing across several relief camps in the Imphal East district, where a large number of IDPs staged protests on Wednesday against the government’s decision to provide only ₹84 per day per person as a daily allowance.
The protesters marched from Shajiwa to the Sawombung Sub-Divisional Officer’s office, demanding a revision of the allowance to reflect current market prices and living costs. “It is not possible to make a living with this meagre amount,” one protester said. Similar demonstrations have been reported in other parts of the state, highlighting the growing frustration among displaced communities.
Observers believe that the reinstallation of an elected government could accelerate administrative responsiveness and bring relief to those affected by the prolonged crisis. For now, the state’s political future remains in the balance, as the BJP’s internal discussions and consultations with the central leadership continue.
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Singh, however, sounded optimistic about the outcome. “The people of Manipur want peace, stability, and leadership. We are confident that a popular government will soon be restored,” he concluded.
