Meghalaya CM Stands Firm Against Demands for Separate Administration in Manipur

Meghalaya's Stance on Manipur's Administrative Demands

Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, has reiterated his and the National People's Party's (NPP) strong opposition to any calls for a separate administration in Manipur. Currently, he is visiting Manipur to seek suggestions from civil society organizations (CSOs) and community leaders to restore peace in the state. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, where various demands and community concerns have jeopardized regional stability. During a press conference in Imphal, the Chief Minister stated that they are not there to compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur. Discussions on how the administrative framework within the state can function are always welcome, but completely dividing Manipur is not their position.

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Sangma urged all communities to engage in meaningful dialogue and warned against adopting a rigid stance that could exacerbate suffering. He emphasized that if they remain obstinate and ignore the issues at hand, progress will be unattainable. Dialogue and understanding are essential for moving forward. In response to concerns raised by several Naga civil society organizations regarding the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing, Sangma highlighted the need for extensive consultations. He called on the central government to engage with local communities before making decisions, stressing that while national security is crucial, cultural and historical factors must also be taken into account. When dialogue is open, pathways for progress remain available. He drew comparisons to previous consultations during discussions on the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Sangma also referenced the measures taken by the NPP to address the current crisis, which include formal communication with the central Ministry of Home Affairs advocating for confidence-building measures. He noted that about a year and a half ago, they had written to the Home Ministry requesting action for restoring trust, as public confidence in leadership had diminished. The party had previously withdrawn support from the former BJP-led government in Manipur, prioritizing public interest over political alliances.