Efforts underway to form a popular government in Manipur, says Biren Singh

Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Saturday said efforts were underway for setting up a popular government in the state, which is now under the President’s rule.

Speaking on the sidelines of a programme at the BJP state headquarters, Singh expressed hope that a new government will be formed in Manipur soon. “We are working to form a government at the earliest. We are a national party. After looking into the ground situation, I have faith that a government will be formed soon. The BJP and its allies want a popular government as well. We are working for the restoration of popular governmentst,” he said.

“We, the BJP, haven’t criticised anybody. We are concentrating only on the present crisis. We are approaching the Central Government and persons concerned to find an amicable solution and bring peace in the state. In the meantime, we are also working to restore a popular government with frequent gatherings of MLAs. Everybody wants restoration of peace. Peace is compulsory. In the last seven to eight months, there have been no reports of fighting between the communities,” the former CM said.

Meanwhile, BJP Manipur unit president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, at a book release function, said now was not the time for elections, but to focus on peace initiatives. “People want a popular government. The BJP is trying to bring a popular government and will work by understanding the desire of the people. Now is not the time to discuss election, but to focus on the process and progress of peace initiatives. I want to appeal to them to understand the pulse of the people and work accordingly,” she said.