In a massive shocker amid the ongoing tensions in Manipur, the Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA), one of the allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has just declared its split from the N Biren Singh government in Manipur. This politically potent revelation came into the limelight recently, stirring a pot that was already boiling with a volatile mix of political intrigue and violence.

As per their announcement, the KPA's support to the Government of Manipur stands nullified. In other words, the relationship between the KPA and the Biren Singh government has gone from warm comradeship to cold indifference in a swift and unexpected turnaround.

Now, you might be thinking, how significant is this development? Well, the KPA holds two critical seats in the 60-member Manipur assembly. That means they have the power to turn the tide of political favor, which is exactly what they've done here.

Demonstrating an audacious political move, the KPA penned down their verdict in a letter to the governor, announcing their withdrawal of support. They declared, “The support of the KPA to the Government of Manipur is hereby withdrawn and can be considered null and void.” This action isn't just a shockwave; it's a political earthquake that could shift the power balance of the entire region.

This noteworthy letter unveils the KPA's sentiments in clear terms: “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." Simply put, the alliance is over, and the KPA is hitting the exit door.

The politicians at the heart of this pivotal decision are the two KPA MLAs, Kimneo Hangshing from Saikul and Chinlunthang from Singhat, who had previously lent their backing to the N Biren Singh administration.

Further intensifying the drama, Kuki community leaders had earlier indicated that the majority of Kuki MLAs might skip the Manipur assembly session due to take place on August 21. This would be a sign of protest against the ongoing ethnic violence in the region. And it isn't just a KPA thing. They claim that the Kuki MLAs would stage this protest regardless of their party affiliations, with several Kuki MLAs belonging to the ruling BJP expected to join the act.

A Times of India report cites BJP MLA for Churachandpur, L M Khaute, expressing his unease with the current situation. He said, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation, it will not be possible on my part to attend the upcoming session.” Churachandpur is one of the regions most affected by the ongoing ethnic conflicts, leaving little room for political diplomacy.

Adding fuel to the fire, Khaute stated that the administration’s failure to meet the Kukis' demand for a separate administration combined with the existing violence, would prevent all Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs from attending the upcoming session.

For a broader context, the Manipur House, which consists of 60 members, is home to 10 Kuki-Zomi MLAs. Seven of these are from the BJP, two are from the Kuki People’s Alliance, and one is an independent member. This new development could not only upset the political equilibrium but could also reshape the future political landscape of Manipur.