Manipur Pradesh Congress President Keisham Meghachandra today stated that the only way to restore peace and normalcy in the ethnic conflict-affected state in 2026 is to dissolve the current assembly and conduct fresh elections.
Speaking to reporters, Keisham Meghachandra said, “While New Year celebrations are taking place elsewhere, in Manipur we are not witnessing such festivities. The welfare of the people requires the dissolution of the present assembly. Our demand is for a fresh mandate through new elections, which we believe is the only path to peace and normalcy in the state.”
He further added, “The ongoing crisis has laid bare the inability of the current government to address the aspirations and grievances of the people.”
He also expressed hope that the New Year would usher in clarity, justice, and a people-driven political change that could pave the way for lasting peace in Manipur.
In response, BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro highlighted, “Several festivals and celebrations, including the Sangai Festival, Orange Festival, Christmas, and the Meitei community’s Emoinu Festival in November and December, have taken place.”
He appealed to the public, saying, “During such festive times, I urge people across all communities to forgive and forget past differences and misunderstandings and restore peace, normalcy, and cordial relations with the arrival of the New Year.”
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9 amid ethnic violence that has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023. The 60-member state assembly, which was due to serve until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
After the imposition of President’s Rule, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla undertook several measures to restore peace and order, including calling for the surrender of arms looted from security forces.
The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.