BJP Northeast In-Charge Sambit Patra Visits Lamka, Meet Kuki MLAs, CSO Leaders

BJP Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra arrived in Manipur on Monday and held a series of meetings with key political and civil society leaders, including two Kuki MLAs, in Lamka.

After landing in Imphal, Patra boarded a helicopter and traveled to the BSF Training Centre in Gangpimual, Churachandpur, where he was received by LM Khaute, MLA of the 58 Churachandpur Assembly Constituency.

Patra also paid a courtesy visit to Vungzagin Valte, MLA of the Thanlon Assembly Constituency, at his residence in Dorcas Veng, New Lamka. He later held a meeting with LM Khaute at the latter’s residence in Hill Town. The specific purpose of these meetings has not yet been made public.

During his visit, Patra also met Henlianthang Thanglet, Chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC). Their discussion reportedly focused on restoring peace in the state. Thanglet emphasized the need to recover looted arms and called for the imposition of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) across Manipur to stabilize the situation.

When the topic of reopening national highways was raised, Thanglet maintained that the Kuki-Zo community would not allow Meiteis to enter Kuki-Zo dominated areas. He argued that such a move was untenable given the current tensions, alleging mistreatment of Kuki-Zo people by the Meiteis. He also reiterated the KZC’s demand for the creation of a Union Territory for the safety and welfare of the Kuki-Zo people. Patra responded that such matters should be addressed through dialogue.

Patra also met Vumsuan Naulak, Chairman of the Zomi Council, at the BSF Subsidiary Training Centre in Gangpimual. Patra reportedly emphasized the importance of recovering looted arms and identifying peace-seeking stakeholders in the conflict. Naulak briefed him on the ground realities and the hardships faced by local communities. He also highlighted the need for the central leadership to fully understand the situation on the ground as a prerequisite for achieving lasting peace.

Following his engagements in Churachandpur, Patra returned to Imphal by helicopter. He met with former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at Luwangsangbam, in the presence of other MLAs. Patra also held a closed-door meeting with Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata.

Although there is speculation that the BJP's Northeast in-charge visit could be linked to a political move to form a new government in Manipur, several MLAs — including Sapam Kunjakeshor and K. Ibomcha — clarified that the visit was focused solely on efforts to bring peace to the troubled state.