Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, has resigned from his position, nearly two years after ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern Indian state. The unrest, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 250 fatalities and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals.
Singh, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude to the central government for its interventions and development projects aimed at safeguarding Manipur’s interests. He emphasized the need for continued efforts to maintain the state’s territorial integrity, combat border infiltration, and address issues related to illegal migration and narco-terrorism.
The resignation comes amid internal dissent within the BJP’s state unit and the looming threat of a no-confidence motion by the opposition Congress party. The Congress had announced plans to move the motion during the assembly session scheduled to commence on February 10, 2025. However, following Singh’s resignation, Governor Bhalla declared the session “null and void.”
Ethnic tensions in Manipur have primarily involved clashes between the majority Meitei community, residing in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups from the surrounding hills. The violence was initially triggered by disputes over economic benefits and employment quotas, with both communities vying for Scheduled Tribe status. Singh faced criticism for allegedly favoring the Meitei community, leading to accusations of bias and exacerbating the conflict.
The prolonged unrest has strained Singh’s leadership, with key allies withdrawing support. In November, the National People’s Party (NPP), a crucial partner in the ruling coalition, exited the alliance, citing the government’s failure to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy.
In a recent statement, Singh apologized for the ethnic violence and called for unity among Manipur’s diverse communities. He acknowledged the loss of lives and the displacement caused by the unrest, urging all groups to work together towards peace and reconciliation.
The BJP’s state leadership has expressed support for Singh’s decision to step down, viewing it as a step towards restoring peace in the region. State BJP President A Sharda Devi emphasized the importance of the move in addressing the ongoing crisis and paving the way for a new leadership to tackle the challenges ahead.
As the state awaits the appointment of a new chief minister, the focus remains on implementing effective measures to end the violence and address the underlying issues contributing to the ethnic tensions. The central government has been urged to continue its support in maintaining law and order, ensuring the safe return of displaced individuals, and fostering dialogue between the conflicting communities.
