In a significant political development, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his position on Sunday, June 30, 2024, amid escalating ethnic violence in the northeastern state. Singh, who has been at the helm of the state government since 2017, submitted his resignation letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. His resignation marks a critical juncture in Manipur’s troubled political landscape, which has been marred by unrest and bloodshed for over a year.
A Resignation Amid Turmoil
In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Manipur. “It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur so far,” he wrote. He also thanked the Central government for its “timely actions, interventions, developmental work, and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interest of every single Manipuri.” Singh was accompanied by state BJP president A. Sharda, BJP’s North East Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, and at least 19 MLAs during the resignation process.
The decision to step down comes just a day after Singh reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring peace in the strife-torn state. “The state government has been making all possible efforts to restore peace and to ensure that people live together peacefully as before,” Singh had said, as reported by PTI. However, the persistent violence and growing public discontent appear to have overshadowed these efforts, leading to his resignation.
A Year of Unrest and Tragedy
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, when clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands, rendering many homeless. The state has witnessed arson, shootings, and widespread destruction, with both communities accusing each other of instigating the conflict. Despite numerous attempts by the state and central governments to broker peace, the situation remains volatile.
The resignation of Singh, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), underscores the challenges faced by the state administration in addressing the deep-rooted ethnic tensions. Singh’s government had been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with many accusing it of failing to prevent the escalation of violence.
A Symbolic Apology and Escalating Violence
On December 31, 2023, Singh had publicly apologized for the protracted violence, calling 2023 an “unfortunate” year for Manipur. “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what has been happening...since last May 3,” he had said. However, his apology did little to quell the unrest, as incidents of violence continued to plague the state.
In a grim reminder of the ongoing instability, unidentified gunmen looted arms from an India Reserve Battalion (IRB) outpost in Thoubal district on the same day Singh resigned. According to officials, the armed men arrived in several vehicles and stole at least six SLRs (self-loading rifles) and three AK rifles from the personnel stationed at the outpost in Kakmayai. This brazen act of looting highlights the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
What Lies Ahead?
Singh’s resignation has raised questions about the future of Manipur’s political leadership and the path to peace. The BJP, which governs the state, will now need to navigate the complex socio-political landscape to appoint a new chief minister who can address the grievances of all communities and restore stability.
The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been actively involved in managing the crisis, deploying paramilitary forces and initiating dialogue with stakeholders. However, the road to reconciliation remains fraught with challenges, as the ethnic divide continues to deepen.
A Call for Unity and Healing
As Manipur transitions to a new leadership, there is an urgent need for collective efforts to heal the wounds of the past year. The state’s diverse communities must come together to rebuild trust and foster harmony. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and local influencers have a crucial role to play in bridging the divide and promoting dialogue.
The resignation of N. Biren Singh marks the end of an era but also presents an opportunity for a fresh start. The people of Manipur, who have endured immense suffering, deserve a government that prioritizes peace, justice, and inclusive development. Only through sustained efforts and a commitment to unity can Manipur hope to emerge from this dark chapter and reclaim its legacy as the “Jewel of India.”
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