Agencies & KalimNews, February 10, 2025 – Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, shortly after facing growing demands for his resignation from opposition lawmakers and following scrutiny from the Supreme Court over alleged involvement in the state’s ethnic violence. Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal at around 5:30 p.m. His resignation came amid ongoing violence that has plagued the northeastern state for nearly two years, claiming hundreds of lives and leaving thousands homeless.
In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude to the central government for its interventions and support in safeguarding the interests of the people of Manipur. He highlighted several key priorities, including maintaining the territorial integrity of the state, addressing border infiltration, cracking down on illegal immigration, and continuing the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism. Singh also urged the central government to ensure the continued implementation of revised security measures, such as the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
The resignation came after growing discontent within the BJP ranks. Sources indicated that Singh was losing support among BJP MLAs, many of whom had reportedly conveyed their unhappiness with his leadership during a meeting in Delhi. However, BJP Manipur President A Sharda Devi denied any internal discord, stating that Singh resigned in the best interest of the state. She emphasized that the CM was focused on bringing peace to Manipur.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, had been calling for Singh’s resignation for failing to curb the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The issue of the violence had also dominated discussions in Parliament in 2023 and 2024. The Congress, under the leadership of Manipur Pradesh President Keisham Meghachandra, had threatened to move a no-confidence motion against the Singh-led government. Meghachandra had previously hinted on social media that the Congress would soon take action against the ruling government. The opposition also demanded a visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the situation in Manipur.
The ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, sparked by a dispute over affirmative action measures for the Meitei community, who sought Scheduled Tribe status. This triggered violent clashes between the Meitei community, based in the valley, and the Kuki-Zo communities, who dominate the hill districts. The violence led to widespread unrest, with curfews, internet suspensions, and reports of atrocities, including videos of burnt houses and sexual violence against women.
As tensions continued to rise, the Supreme Court intervened, seeking a sealed-cover report from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory to examine leaked audio recordings allegedly implicating CM Singh in the violence. The tapes reportedly contained conversations where Singh allegedly suggested that Meitei groups were allowed to loot arms and ammunition during the unrest. The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, called for a court-monitored investigation into Singh’s role in the violence.
In a report by Mint News, the situation surrounding Singh’s resignation was explored in detail, questioning whether BJP MLAs had forced Singh to step down and whether President’s rule was a likely outcome in the wake of his departure. The report also shed light on the ongoing challenges facing Manipur and its leadership, as the state struggles to regain peace and stability.
With Singh’s resignation, speculation has intensified about the future of Manipur’s leadership. While the possibility of President’s rule looms large, the state’s governor has accepted Singh’s resignation but has asked him to continue in office until a new arrangement is made. BJP sources expressed hope that Singh’s departure would facilitate efforts to restore peace between the warring communities. The state’s assembly budget session, which was scheduled to begin on February 10, has been suspended, with plans to resume once a new CM is appointed.
As political discussions unfold, opposition leaders have called for increased central government intervention. Congress MP Imran Masood criticized Singh for fostering division between the two communities and called for the central government to mediate peace in the region. The situation remains volatile, and with the looming possibility of President’s rule, the future of Manipur’s political landscape remains uncertain.
