Conrad Sangma says Manipur faces a “political vacuum”, outlines NPP plans

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad Sangma said Manipur’s political landscape has created what he called a “large vacuum”, with many people seeking a platform that can understand their concerns and aspirations. He spoke at a press conference after attending the NPP’s annual convention at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).

According to Sangma, his interactions during a two-day visit showed that residents feel tired and exhausted by the prolonged crisis in the state. He said the NPP believes it can occupy the political space because it represents the largest regional party from the Northeast and has experience with the region’s diverse communities, though he also noted the party still has “considerable work” to understand Manipur’s local issues.

Dialogue, trust and law-and-order highlighted

Sangma said one of the party’s priorities would be rebuilding trust among communities in Manipur. He added that long-term peace would depend on sustained dialogue with community leaders and on efforts to reconnect communities and strengthen bridges of trust.

He also underlined the role of the government in restoring normalcy, saying those responsible for creating unrest should be dealt with firmly. In his remarks, maintaining a strong law-and-order system was described as essential for peace and harmony in the state. He further said the conflict has had a serious effect on livelihoods and economic activity, and that long-term peace will require economic revival through employment generation and improved livelihood opportunities.

NPP election preparation for Manipur Assembly polls

On election plans, Sangma said the NPP has seen a significant increase in public support since 2017. He said the decision on whether the party will contest all 60 Assembly constituencies in the 2027 Manipur elections will be taken by its election committee.

He also clarified that the NPP will not enter into any pre-poll alliance for the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections and that each party should seek an independent mandate from voters. For any post-poll understanding, he said the party would base its decision on the electoral mandate.

As part of his visit, Sangma said the NPP held organisational meetings to strengthen its base, inaugurated the party’s new office at Mantripukhri in Imphal, met Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and later met the Governor to discuss the prevailing situation in Manipur.