The National Manipuri Progressive Front (NMPF) has urged Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi to nominate a Manipuri Assamese candidate for the 2026 Assam Assembly Election from the Sonai Assembly Constituency.
The appeal was made during Gogoi’s visit to Lakhimpur and Silchar, where he reviewed relief efforts for flood-affected families. The NMPF delegation, led by President Iboton Singh Thingom, met him at the Silchar Circuit House and submitted a memorandum highlighting the concerns of the Manipuri community.
The memorandum detailed the socio-political status of the Manipuri population across 21 districts in Assam and reminded Gogoi of the community’s past legislative representation. It cited leaders such as N. Bidyapati Singh, Merachaoba Singh, Subhankar, and Kutub Ahmed Mazumder—who all served as Congress MLAs from constituencies with strong Meetei presence.
The NMPF pointed out that despite the community’s estimated population of over 6 lakh in Assam, no Manipuri-speaking MLA has been elected in recent decades. They noted that Sonai constituency has a significant number of Manipuri and Manipuri Muslim voters, making it a suitable seat for representation.
Given these demographics, the NMPF proposed Dr. Maimom Santi Kumar as the Congress candidate for Sonai in 2026. They believe his nomination would strengthen the party’s support among Manipuris.
In response, Gaurav Gogoi assured the delegation that the proposal would be considered at the party level. Others present during the meeting included NMPF member N. Herojit, Cachar DCC President Abhijit Paul, and Dr. Santi Kumar.
Iboton Singh stressed the need for Manipuri representation to address demands such as ST status and an Autonomous Council. NMPF leaders asserted that electing a Meetei MLA would unify the community and ensure political recognition in Assam.