NDA's Kuki partner withdraws support from Manipur govt

National Democratic Alliance partner Kuki People's Alliance (KPA) on Sunday announced withdrawal of support from the N Biren Singh government in Manipur.

In a letter to Governor Anusuiya Uikey, KPA president Tongmang Haokip informed about the party's decision to snap ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Manipur, where ethnic rioting since the last three months has claimed more than 160 lives.

'After careful consideration of the current conflagration, the continued support for the incumbent government of Manipur led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh is no longer fructuous.

'Accordingly, the support of the KPA to the Government of Manipur is hereby withdrawn and can be considered null and void,' Haokip said in the letter.

In the 60-member House, the KPA has two MLAs -- Kimneo Haokip Hangshing from Saikul and Chinlunthang from Singhat.

The development will have no impact on the stability of the government, as the BJP has 37 members in the Manipur Assembly.

The National People's Party (NPP) has seven MLAs and the Naga People's Front (NPF) has five. The Congress has five legislators.