BY PC Bureau
May 31, 2025 — In an interesting development amid Manipur’s prolonged ethnic crisis, a group of BJP legislators and office-bearers has issued a joint statement demanding decisive steps to restore peace, public confidence, and inclusive governance in the state. The statement—signed by 23 prominent BJP MLAs—was released after a closed-door meeting held in Imphal on May 30, highlighting a clear shift in tone and urgency within the ruling party’s state leadership.
Over the past year, the Meitei-Kuki conflict has left hundreds dead and tens of thousands displaced, fracturing the social fabric of Manipur. Despite multiple appeals from the Centre and interventions from civil society, hostilities continue to simmer. The BJP legislators’ statement marks the most coordinated internal appeal for peace since the eruption of violence in May 2023.
READ: India Grapples with COVID Surge: Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala See Sharp Spike
A Call for Peace and Political Courage
The legislators, who met under the banner of the BJP Manipur Pradesh, expressed “deep concern over the prevailing situation” and pledged to rise above personal or factional interests in pursuit of a long-term political resolution. “We feel it is our responsibility to take a collective step in a direction that upholds the principles of justice, fairness, peace, and reconciliation,” the statement reads.
They reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to the Bharatiya Janata Party” and clarified that their actions are meant to strengthen the party’s presence and credibility in the region—not undermine it.
Significantly, the legislators acknowledged the deep emotional toll the conflict has taken. “All of us have suffered in our own ways. Our families, our people, and our communities have lived through trauma, displacement, and despair. But even in this pain, we see an opportunity to be part of a healing process.”
23 BJP MLAs put their signature for Peace & Normalcy in Manipur. Where are the 44 MLAs as claimed two days back?
A real intention or a political stunt to deceive the people yet again? Nowhere to find Justice..!@rashtrapatibhvn @INCIndia @RajBhavManipur @the_hindu @thewire_in pic.twitter.com/ti9EFW37ja
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) May 30, 2025
Proposal for a Neutral Peace Envoy and Dialogue Platform
At the heart of the joint statement is a roadmap for peacebuilding: the formation of a neutral dialogue platform and the appointment of a Peace Envoy to engage with all communities without bias.
“Such an initiative must be entrusted to individuals or institutions with credibility, neutrality, and the full confidence of all stakeholders,” the group stated. They further stressed that the peace process must be “supported at the highest level of the Union Government” and conducted under “constitutional principles.”
This proposal stems from the realization that existing channels of communication have broken down due to eroded trust. A neutral body, the MLAs argue, would serve as a bridge between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities—two groups currently trapped in a cycle of fear and suspicion.
READ: Kukis Face Identity Setback in Nagaland’s Latest Directive
Restoration of Law and Order with Impartiality
The legislators did not shy away from criticizing the security environment, pointing to “unabated violence in both the valley and the hills.” They warned that “unchecked armed groups” are threatening the very fabric of civil society and that people are losing faith in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
“There is no alternative to the strict enforcement of law and order with full neutrality,” the statement declared. “Immediate and verifiable steps must be taken to disarm and neutralize all armed groups, regardless of their identity or affiliations.”
They also demanded that central forces and police act without bias and in the interests of all communities, noting that neutrality is key to rebuilding public trust.
Encouraging People-to-People Dialogue
Beyond high-level political negotiation, the legislators highlighted the need for grassroots reconciliation. They urged for “people-to-people dialogue” facilitated by trusted community institutions such as tribal councils, Meira Paibis, village authorities, student unions, and religious leaders.
“Civil society must play a central role in rebuilding fractured relationships,” they said, while also warning against the use of violence as a political language. “It is time to promote the language of peace, coexistence, and fraternity.”
Commitment to Inclusive Governance
In a politically significant section of the statement, the MLAs also committed to the swift restoration of a “popular government” in Manipur. “We are aware of the deep desire among the people to see a functional, inclusive, and responsive state government. We are willing to set aside personal ambitions to contribute towards the formation of such a government.”
READ: Missing Arunachal Anti-Dam Activist Ebo Mili Resurfaces
This remark, while not directly criticizing the current state of governance, suggests unease over prolonged instability, lack of effective representation, and the imposition of partial President’s Rule. The group emphasized that popular mandates must be respected and that political power must be exercised for the benefit of all ethnic groups in the state.
While the statement represents an extraordinary show of unity among the BJP legislators, it also reflects internal introspection. “We are not acting under pressure or against the party’s interests. We remain steadfast members of the BJP, and it is our duty to alert our own leadership when our people are suffering.”
In conclusion, the group issued a heartfelt appeal to all communities of Manipur: “Let us not surrender our future to fear and hatred. Let us act now, with clarity, courage, and compassion.”
This joint statement marks a pivotal moment in the political handling of Manipur’s ongoing conflict. With BJP legislators now publicly calling for a peace envoy and neutral dialogue, the ball is in the court of both the Centre and the party’s top leadership. Whether their appeal will lead to action—or be absorbed into the machinery of prolonged stalemate—remains to be seen. But for the people of Manipur, weary of violence and division, this may be the first credible spark of hope in months.
