Oppose Biren govt, tribal body tells 10 Manipur MLAs; resign if the need arises, says ITLF

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.