Top BJP leaders hold series of meetings to discuss Manipur, other issues

Later in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also met Shah in Parliament House. The series of meetings sparked speculation that the BJP may consider some “political steps” in Manipur.

However, sources said both the party and the government are awaiting the outcome of an upcoming meeting of Kuki groups. The Kuki groups, which have been demanding a separate administration, are holding a meeting later this week to finalise their demand.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) – the apex tribal body of the community in the state – has said that its demand for a “separate administration” is now a demand for a separate state under Article 3 of the Constitution.

Sources said while the government is sympathetic to the concerns raised by the Kuki groups, especially in the wake of the recent violence, it does not want to “take any steps that would antagonise or provoke the majority Meitei groups”.

Pointing out that Shah has said that Manipur’s territorial integrity will be protected, these sources said that after KIM’s demand for a separate state, there has been a “pushback” from the public and the Kuki-Zo civil society organisations. “This makes the outcome of the meeting significant,” said sources.

Government sources said the Centre is “satisfied” with the progress it is making in Manipur to restore normalcy. “Things are going in the right direction. The Centre is satisfied with the progress we are making in Manipur. There has been no major violence reported in the last few days,” said sources.