BJP in tight corner in Manipur, leaders say first goal modicum of peace for any political overtures

Centre trying several channels, has opened talks with smaller groups; officials say some breakthroughs in a few areas

Security personnel stand guard at the violence-hit area of Manipur's Kanto sabal, in Imphal West on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

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WITH THE BJP under fire from the Opposition and other quarters over the continuing violence in Manipur, leaders admitted the party was in a spot, with little room for any political manoeuvering against the trust deficit, deepening faultlines and collapse of the State machinery.

Sources admitted that with one-and-a-half months having passed since the violence started in the sensitive border state, the Centre’s first priority now was enforcing law and order so that a political or peace process could be initiated for normalcy.

Admitting that the situation was “unpredictable” and that “anything can erupt any time”, a source involved in peace bids in Manipur said: “Efforts are on via various channels. The Centre has adopted multiple strategies and, at least in some areas, things are improving a little.”

Underlining how deep the gulf was between the Kukis and Meiteis now, the source said: “No one wants to hear any sensible voices or to talk about peace. Anyone talking to the government or mediators is seen as a traitor by their community.”

Sambit Patra, the party’s coordinator for Northeast states, has been meeting leaders from various organisations and small groups in a bid to restore the confidence of the people in BJP leaders and the Central government. Patra was with Meitei MLAs during their recent meetings with Central ministers in Delhi.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the face of the Northeast for the BJP, has also been meeting representatives of different groups, including the Meiteis and Kukis.

The option of replacing Manipur CM N Biren Singh is off the table as of now, said sources, though there is realisation that he has “failed miserably”. “His removal would certainly infuriate the Meitei community… the party is also divided between the Meiteis and Kukis,” a leader said, noting that Kuki organisations have been seeking removal of Singh from the top post.

There is also a section in the party which believes that Biren Singh did not get the required support or advice from the Centre or the party as the situation blew up. “Earlier, when there was violence or incidents between the Meiteis and Kukis, the political leadership and senior officials would stop the issue from getting out of control. This time, there have been no such interventions,” a party leader familiar with the region said.

The number of aspirants in the party for the CM’s post is believed to be one contributing factor in this, with many waiting to replace Biren Singh.

On the other option, of imposing President’s rule in the state – a demand backed by BJP allies National People’s Party and Mizo National Front – a senior BJP leader said: “The situation is being monitored by the security advisor (Kuldiep Singh), the strategising is being done by the Centre… the state government, in effect, is doing little.”

Besides, the leader said, even for the imposition of President’s rule now, the situation would need to show some change. “Every step has to be taken carefully.”

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President’s rule would also mean the embarrassing admission of lack of faith in a BJP government – after 50 days of the situation going from bad to worse. This is not good optics at a time when the BJP’s main poll pitch in election after election – and there are several ahead – is “double-engine government”, with the party in power both in the Centre and state.

The Centre has been approached separately by Meitei and Kuki MLA with demands. On Monday, a delegation of 30 Meitei MLAs met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking that there be no change in the territorial integrity of the state (i.e. no separate unit for Kukis), and that the Centre withdraw from the Suspension of Operations pact with Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups.