Four BJP lawmakers who skipped the NDA meeting called by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday have voiced concerns about the true purpose of the gathering. They dismissed it as an “image-building exercise” amid the ongoing law and order challenges in the state.
A senior ruling party MLA questioned the value of a meeting with only MLAs, suggesting that a more effective approach would have involved a broader group from the Unified Command, including the DGP, Security Advisor, CRPF, Assam Rifles IGs, and the Chief Secretary. According to the MLA, the meeting’s resolution focused on issues unrelated to law and order and failed to address the primary concern of restoring peace.
The resolution passed during the meeting emphasized mass operations against Kuki militants involved in the November 11 kidnapping and murder of six Meitei women and children from Jiribam. It also urged the Centre to reconsider the imposition of AFSPA in six police station areas in the valley. However, critics argued that the resolution’s priorities did not align with the immediate need for dialogue and peace.
Another MLA absent from the meeting criticized Biren Singh’s leadership, stating that his actions had exacerbated the crisis. They pointed out that previous meetings convened by the CM were more for show than substance, with no real proposals or discussions taking place. “That’s why we didn’t attend,” the MLA added. They also suggested that the Speaker should have led the meeting instead.
The Speaker, Th. Satyabrata Singh, also skipped the meeting but had reportedly notified others in advance.
A third MLA who missed the gathering expressed frustration over the government’s decision to release lists of absentees. “His position is insecure, and this shows it,” the MLA remarked, criticizing the emphasis on attendance over meaningful discussions.
After the meeting, two lists were circulated: one showing MLAs who had valid reasons for being absent, including the Speaker and some members of the NPF and JD(U), and another listing 11 MLAs who did not attend without providing explanations. The government claimed it had issued notices to these absentees.
One MLA, whose name appeared on the list of attendees despite having informed the authorities of their absence, clarified that they had communicated verbally. A source close to the Chief Minister’s Office downplayed the issue, stating that scanned signatures were sometimes used with consent when officials were unavailable.
The meeting was seen as an attempt by Biren Singh to assert his political strength, particularly after the NPP withdrew support for his government. Despite the absence of several MLAs, including some from the Meitei-dominated valley areas, the BJP retains a majority in the 60-member Assembly.
