GUWAHATI: Manipur appears to be headed for a political showdown amid ethnic tensions as Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (
ITLF
) declared on Saturday following a "public consultation" that 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven of whom belong to BJP, should challenge N Biren Singh's government. The forum also stressed the importance of engaging neighbouring Mizoram government for future political direction of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur.
ITLF said Kuki militant groups, currently engaged in peace talks under a suspension of operations agreement with Centre, "should not sign for the integrity of Manipur" and stand by the demand for "a Union territory with a legislature".
The consultation in Churachandpur district was convened days after radical group Arambai Tenggol called a meeting with MLAs and MPs from Imphal valley, allegedly coercing them to endorse its demands, which ITLF described as anarchic.
Calling the 10
Kuki-Zo legislators
to align with the people's aspirations, ITLF urged them to oppose the government led by N Biren Singh in support of their community, and "
resign
if the need arises". The convention advocated for meetings between militant groups and Kuki MLAs, facilitated by Zo United, to chart the course for their political movement.In the 60-member assembly, BJP holds 37 seats, supported by 14 legislators from NPF (5), NPP (7), and two independents. Opposition comprises nine MLAs - Congress 5, JD(U) 1, KPA 2, and 1 independent.
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