In a significant political move, more than 10 MLAs, including eight from the BJP, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, staking claim to form a popular government in the state.

Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said, “The majority of people want a popular government installed, and that is the reason we came to meet the Governor.” He added, “We also discussed other things, like the functioning of the President's rule may not be the same after the formation of a popular government. Primarily and basically, the main point was the formation of a popular government. The response of the Governor was also nice.”

Singh further stated that the MLAs hoped for swift action on the matter. “We are appealing to the Governor that we want a popular government. We have also given a paper to the Governor that all of us have signed. All NDA MLAs in Manipur are very keen to have a popular government installed. We want the support of the public as well. The paper we gave had around 22 signatures. 10 MLAs have come here to meet the Governor,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh also met with Governor Bhalla to discuss the prevailing tensions in the state, particularly the Gwaltabi incident that sparked protests in the Meitei-inhabited Imphal Valley.

Singh said, “Today I meet governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. I discussed with him regarding the prevailing situation in the state and suggested some points. He listened and necessary actions will be initiated to resolve the present crisis by inviting the protesters. I hope so.”

He also expressed concerns about internally displaced people (IDPs) living in relief camps and the impact of non-functional national highways. “I also apprised him (governor) about the issues of IDPs who are staying in relief camps as well as the sufferings of the valley people due to the non-opening of national highways. People are not able to travel by road and I apprised him of that,” Singh said.

Emphasizing the need for peace, he urged action against armed groups. “I also urged him to disarm all those miscreants who are in possession of illegal arms. Only then, we can proceed for peace,” he added.

Singh also used the meeting to express gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for its recent directive. “Today's main purpose of visit was to appreciate the Ministry of Home Affairs for setting a deadline of 30 days to identify illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. I also submitted all documents which were started in 2021 during which several illegal immigrants were identified under the leadership of then minister Letpao Haokip, who was the chairman of a sub-committee to look into the matter,” Singh said.