LIVE | BJP's internal crisis lead to imposition of President's rule: Cong leader
The BJP said the Assembly, which was in a suspended animation, could be revived on any future date depending on the ground situation
Security has been beefed up in Manipur following the imposition of the President’s rule in the strife-torn state on February 13.
Though the state has been witnessing ethnic unrest and political turmoil for more than 21 months, the President’s rule was imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered his resignation ahead of the no-trust vote by the Congress in the state Assembly.
Also read: Ground report | People in a flux as constitutional crisis grips Manipur
Also read: Manipur ground report: What finally triggered President's Rule?
Security has been tightened considerably throughout the state, especially in the capital city of Imphal, where tension is simmering. Authorities have deployed extra security personnel in sensitive spots, such as the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, to avoid any untoward incident. The Manipur police have increased deployments in sensitive areas like Kangla Gate, Sanjenthong, Moirangkhom, Keisampat, and Konung Mamang.
Five militants nabbed in last 24 hours
Five militants belonging to proscribed outfits have also been arrested from Manipur’s Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal districts.
Two active cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) were apprehended from Thangmeiband and Keishampat in Imphal West on Thursday. Police also arrested another member of the KCP (Noyon) from Khurai Thoudam Leikai in Imphal East.
In another operation, two cadres of KCP (PWG) were arrested from Sangaiyumphal in Thoubal district, he said. Arms and ammunition have also been recovered from the arrested militants, the officer added.
Assembly may be revived in future: BJP
Meanwhile, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining Manipur's territorial integrity, the BJP on Friday said the state Assembly, which was put in a suspended animation following the imposition of President's rule, could be revived on any future date depending on the ground situation.
Sambit Patra, the BJP's northeast region in-charge, told PTI that his party was committed to continuing efforts to maintain peace and normalcy in the state, which has been hit by months-long violence between Meiteis and Kukis and remains polarised along ethnic lines.
He noted that the Assembly had not been dissolved but kept in a suspended animation, meaning that the formation of a new state government remained a possibility.
The BJP continues to enjoy a comfortable majority in the Assembly but the sharpening of ethnic differences meant the party's search for a consensus candidate to replace N Biren Singh, who resigned as the chief minister a few days ago, remained futile.
