Imphal: National People’s Party (NPP) chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is set to embark on a two-day visit to Manipur from October 9 to review the state’s political landscape and engage with community leaders amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
Party officials in Imphal confirmed that during his visit on Thursday and Friday, Sangma will meet NPP legislators, senior party functionaries, and influential figures to discuss the prevailing situation in the violence-hit state.
He is also scheduled to hold discussions with civil society organisations (CSOs) representing both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, and may visit relief camps housing displaced persons affected by the prolonged unrest.
This will be Sangma’s first visit to Manipur since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, which followed the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid continuing ethnic violence.
The NPP, which holds seven seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, remains the second-largest party after the BJP, which has 37 MLAs.
One of its legislators, N. Kayisii, who also headed the party’s Manipur unit, passed away in January, reducing the NPP’s strength to six.
NPP MLA Kh. Loken, ahead of Sangma’s visit, emphasised the need for a strong regional political force that can effectively represent the aspirations of the Northeast.
Political observers believe Sangma’s visit could play a key role in initiating dialogue between divided communities and assessing possibilities for political realignment in the state.
ALSO READ: Suspected poacher killed in encounter inside Orang National Park in Assam
The NPP leadership is expected to reiterate its call for peace, stability, and inclusive governance during the discussions.
The NPP had earlier withdrawn its support to the BJP-led government on November 17 last year, citing the state administration’s “failure to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy.”
Despite the move, the Biren Singh government continued with support from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Independent legislators.
