With BJP MLAs in Delhi lobbying for a new government, NPP’s seven MLAs may play a key role, highlighting the political stakes of Sangma’s visit.
BY Navin Upadhyay
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s “Mission Manipur”, according to Congress, is part of a calculated strategy to revive the BJP’s fortunes in the state and legitimize efforts to install a popular government in place of President’s Rule. During his visit, Sangma left no doubt about his priorities, strongly defending Manipur’s territorial integrity while rejecting the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a Union Territory.
“We are for maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur within its constitutional and geographical boundaries. Discussions can be held on how administration could function within this framework, but the NPP is against carving out any separate entity from Manipur,” he said. He added that there is “always a meeting point if we hold talks,” appealing to all communities to come to the negotiation table to end the prolonged strife.
Even before Congress state president Keisham Meghachandra Singh accused Sangma of acting as a BJP intermediary, it was evident that the three-day visit is part of an orchestrated campaign to consolidate BJP power and pave the way for potential reinstatement of President’s Rule. Observers note that Sangma’s emphasis on territorial integrity, coupled with his silence on the plight of the tribal population, is a telling sign. Over the last two years, he has not raised concerns about the suffering of tribal communities beyond general calls for peace and dialogue.
At Kangpokpi in Manipur, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with various civil societies, organizations, and community leaders. I heard their concerns and the immense suffering faced by the people.
It has been our sincerest endeavor to appeal and work together with… pic.twitter.com/yIX2rLx5SV
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) October 10, 2025
In the 2022 Manipur Assembly polls, the NPP won seven seats, all in tribal-majority hill districts: Tadubi (ST) – N. Kayisii, Wangoi (ST) – Khuraijam Loken Singh, Saikot (ST) – Khaipao Haokip, Thanlon (ST) – Khantang Taosing, Churachandpur (ST) – V. Hangkhanlian, Singhat (ST) – Ginshuanhau Zhao, and Henglep (ST) – T. Manga Vaiphei. These constituencies reflect the NPP’s stronghold among tribal communities. Yet Sangma has never publicly addressed the violence or grievances affecting the tribal population.
READ: Congress Hits Out at Sangma, Calls His Manipur Visit a BJP Revival Drive
The timing of Sangma’s visit also coincides with BJP MLAs camping in Delhi to press for the restoration of a popular government. In this context, the seven NPP MLAs, along with Naga MLAs, could play a pivotal role in ensuring stability for any new government formation. Observers highlight the irony that Sangma, who withdrew NPP support from the Biren Singh government in November 2024 citing law-and-order failures, has remained silent on justice and accountability for victims of ethnic violence.
At the time of withdrawing support, Sangma wrote to BJP chief J.P. Nadda:
“We strongly feel that the Manipur State Government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy. Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People’s Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh-led Government in the State of Manipur, with immediate effect.”
Observers now question what has changed in 11 months to justify supporting the same party under a different leader, especially when ethnic strife persists and perpetrators of killings, arson, and sexual violence remain unpunished. The public and the nation are left asking: what tangible action has Sangma or the NPP taken for the tribal communities they claim to represent?
Conrad Sangma : Territorial Integrity of Manipur can never be compromised.
Truth has been spoken✅ pic.twitter.com/6IoGtOy5Gf
— Badmaash Balak (@badmaashbalak) October 10, 2025
A broader pattern is also emerging, with prominent tribal leaders and communities distancing themselves from the Kuki-Zo tribe. For example, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently flummoxed the Kuki-Zo community by maming some controversial remakrs about their identity ina viral video. Meanwhile, the Nagas have already entrenched hostility with the Kukis. Before Sangma’s visit, Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma visited Imphal in August to attend the Indigenous Day function. During that visit, he echoed the voice of Meitei leadership. For example, Deb Barma highlighted concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on the region’s demographic balance. He warned that unchecked population influx could lead to “troubled times ahead” and stressed the need for vigilance to protect indigenous rights.
Deb Barma also met with former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh , where they discussed various issues, including illegal immigration, underscoring the shared concerns between the two leaders on regional challenges
Under these circumstances, observers see Sangma’s visit not as a neutral peace mission, but as part of a well-orchestrated plan that risks further isolating the Kuki-Zo population in Manipur.
