Imphal: National People’s Party (NPP) national president and Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Saturday said the party sees a “political vacuum” in Manipur and is positioning itself as a strong regional alternative ahead of the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections, including the possibility of emerging as the single largest party.Speaking to reporters after attending the annual convention of the NPP Manipur unit at MSFDS in Imphal, Sangma said the party was strengthening its organisation across the state through meetings with leaders, frontal organisations and legislators.“We are organising our party and preparing ourselves for the coming elections. I am happy to see the kind of response, confidence and expectations that people are having from the NPP,” Sangma said.
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Asked about priorities if the NPP came to power, Sangma outlined a three-pronged approach focused on restoring trust among communities, strengthening law and order, and reviving the economy.“The number one target will be to build trust among all communities through dialogue and engagement. At the same time, those creating problems must be dealt with firmly under the law. We also need a strong economic policy focused on sectors based on Manipur’s strengths,” he said.On infiltration of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries, Sangma said the issue must be addressed without compromising national interest while ensuring local people are not adversely affected.“National security and national interest cannot be compromised. But while taking action, the govt must ensure that local people do not suffer and that people are taken into confidence,” he added.Sangma said discussions in Imphal centred on the continuing ethnic conflict and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).“The majority of our discussions were on how we can contribute towards stability, peace and support for IDPs. There is no single solution, but trust-building must begin,” he emphasised.Claiming public sentiment had shifted since the 2017 Assembly elections, Sangma said voters were increasingly looking beyond national parties for a regional platform.“I see a very large vacuum in the political scenario in Manipur. People appear tired of the larger national political parties and are looking for representation that understands local issues. I feel the NPP is best placed to fill that vacuum,” he said.He said the party had not yet decided whether it would contest all 60 Assembly seats.“We aspire to organise ourselves in all 60 constituencies, but contesting every seat is a decision that will be taken later by the party’s election committee. We should fight where we are strong and focused,” he said, while ruling out any pre-poll alliance in Manipur.“We have never had a pre-poll alliance in any state assembly election because every party must go before the people with its own manifesto and principles. After the elections, if no party gets a clear mandate, political parties can decide how to provide a stable govt. That decision can only be taken after the results,” he said.On IDP rehabilitation, Sangma said the matter had been repeatedly raised with the Centre and that efforts were focused on enabling displaced people to return home.He maintained the govt is directing all efforts towards enabling IDPs to return to their homes. Although there are many challenges, we remain hopeful that the situation will improve and IDPs are resettled ahead of the 2027 elections, he said.Appealing for reconciliation, Sangma urged all communities in Manipur to “give peace a chance”.“We have been living together for ages. It is easier said than done, but we have to start somewhere. Leadership, organisations and communities must now look towards the future and move forward together,” he added.
