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Ten MLAs, including eight from the BJP, one from the NPP, and one Independent MLA, met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Wednesday, demanding the formation of a "popular" government in the ethnic violence-hit state.
Their meeting with the governor came amid a civil disobedience campaign in the Imphal valley led by a Meitei organisation, which alleged that central armed forces had insulted the state's identity by masking the words "Manipur State Transport" on a state-run bus on May 20. "The majority of people want a popular government installed, and that is the reason we came here to meet the Governor," Independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh told reporters after the meeting. "We also discussed other things, like the functioning of the President's rule may not be the same after the formation of a popular government. Primarily and basically, the main point was the formation of a popular government. The response of the Governor was also nice," he added. President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, days after BJP leader N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister. Ethnic conflict broke out in the State on May 3, 2023, causing the loss of lives of hundreds of people. Meanwhile in a series of operations, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles launched specific information-based operations in Kangpokpi, Senapati, Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts of Manipur between 19 May to 25 May 2025, according to an official statement. On Monday, the operations were launched in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP. According to the Ministry of Defence, the week-long operations, based on precise intelligence inputs, led to the apprehension of 13 cadres belonging to various insurgent outfits active in both hill and valley regions. A significant haul of arms and war-like stores was also recovered during these operations. On May 19, a raid in the Phayeng area of Imphal West district recovered one 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), one .303 rifle, three 9mm pistols, assorted ammunition, and other military-grade equipment. (ANI)
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