Kuki People’s Alliance, a partner of BJP’s NDA, withdraws support from the Biren Singh Government in Manipur

The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) a partner of BJP’S National Democratic Alliance withdrew its support from the N. Biren Singh’s government in Manipur on Sunday. This comes after the ruling government’s failure in containing the ethnic clashes and entailing violence in Manipur that have wreaked havoc in the state since May 3, claiming over 200 lives and displacing thousands.

A letter was issued by KPA President Tongmang Haokip to the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday. “After careful consideration of the current conflagration, the continued support for the incumbent government in Manipur, led by Chief Minister N.Biren Singh is no longer fructuous. Accordingly, the support of the KPA to the Government of Manipur is hereby withdrawn and can be considered null and void.” read the letter.

Previously, the Kuki Civil Society Organizations issued a statement conveying their complete distrust in the state machinery, and urged all Kuki MLAs irrespective of their party affiliations to not attend the Manipur Assembly Session which is scheduled to take place on August 21, centering on the ongoing violence in the state.

The Manipur State Assembly stands 60 members strong, of which, 10 belong to the Kuki- Zo community. 7 from BJP, 2 from KPA, and 1 independent. Although not in the majority, this is a symbolic move by the Kuki-Zo community, condemning the government apathy.

“In view of the prevailing law and order situation, it will not be possible on my part to attend the upcoming session. The violence and the lack of a resolution to the demands made by the Kukis for a separate administration will not make it possible for all Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs to attend the session”, said LM Khaute, BJP MLA, Churachandpur.

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) a Meitei organization too had passed a resolution boycotting the Manipur government for not respecting the people’s demand of holding a special session in the Assembly on August 5, which was presented on July 29.