NDA ally withdraws support for Manipur govt

NDA ally Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) on Sunday withdrew their support from the N Biren Singh-led government in Manipur which is rocked by ethnic violence since May this year. However, the breaking away of KPA from the NDA will not have any effect on the government as the ruling coalition enjoys the majority in the 60-member state assembly.

As per a Kuki People’s Alliance press release, Kimneo Hangshing (Saikul) and Chinlunthang (Singat) withdrew their support to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Notably, Kuki People’s Alliance party has only two MLAs. However, the withdrawal of the two leaders will not impact Biren Singh’s government in Manipur in terms of numbers.

In the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the BJP holds the largest number of seats with 32 seats. Additionally, the party enjoys the backing of five NPF MLAs and three independent legislators.

On the other hand, the opposition consists of representatives from various parties. The NPP holds seven seats, followed by the Congress with five, and JD(U) with six

Most of the Kuki MLAs are likely to skip the Manipur assembly session, which is scheduled to begin on August 21 irrespective of their party affiliations to protest against the continued ethnic violence in the Northeastern state.

An apex Meitei organisation COCOMI, which has been spearheading demands for an early session of the assembly to “unanimously” reject demands for separate administrative units for Kukis, however, claimed that it would ensure the safety of tribal MLAs if “they want to come.”

With inputs from News18

The post NDA ally withdraws support for Manipur govt first appeared on Latest India news, analysis and reports on IPA Newspack.