In Imphal on November 7, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh told reporters that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ready to form a new state government after last year’s violence left Manipur under President’s Rule.
The former chief minister, who stepped down on February 9, said the process of forming a popularly elected government is already underway. He declined to discuss individual views of lawmakers, but stressed that a new cabinet is essential to solve pressing problems in the state.
One of those problems is the large number of internally displaced people (IDPs) left in relief camps after ethnic clashes. “The public and our own demand is clear: we need a popular government that can address the IDPs’ suffering,” Singh said. “Once a legitimate ministry is in place, the displaced and other issues will be top priority.”
Singh also briefed the media on a recent trip by 26 BJP legislators to New Delhi. “We met Northeastern coordinator Sambit Patra and discussed how the people want a government elected with a popular mandate,” he said. “Patra promised to raise the matter with higher authorities after seeing how the situation has improved.”
Furthermore, five lawmakers, including Singh, spoke with BJP National General Secretary B. L. Santhosh about the urgency of installing a government. Santhosh said the demand is “being considered” and that he would visit Imphal soon.
The former chief minister praised Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for his experience and said that the governor is working hard on the IDP issue. “Bureaucrats are not reaching out enough, and the IDPs are facing hardships,” Singh noted. “We MLAs will continue to help and push for better relief.”
Meanwhile, a large number of IDPs protested on Wednesday against the government’s decision to provide a Rs 84 daily allowance. The march ran from Shajiwa to the Sawombung Sub‑Divisional Officer’s office in Imphal East, and similar demonstrations erupted in other relief camps. The protesters said the amount was far too low to make ends meet.
Source: ianslive
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