Agencies and KalimNews, February 10, 2025: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who had withstood calls for his resignation for 21 months, stepped down from his post on Sunday, February 9, 2025. He tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal around 5:30 p.m., marking a significant political shift in the northeastern state that has been embroiled in ethnic violence for nearly two years.
Singh’s resignation followed a crucial two-hour meeting in New Delhi, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President J.P. Nadda. Following the discussions, Singh returned to Imphal along with BJP’s Northeast Coordinator Sambit Patra and formally submitted his resignation. His exit has triggered renewed political developments in the state ahead of the Manipur Assembly session, initially scheduled to commence on February 10, which has now been suspended until a new Chief Minister is appointed.
A source present during Singh’s resignation suggested that the Manipur Legislative Assembly may remain in suspended animation for some time. However, officials have indicated that the session will resume once a new leadership is determined, with an announcement expected as early as Monday.
The political composition of the 60-member Manipur Assembly stands with the BJP holding 32 seats, along with the support of five Naga People’s Front MLAs and six JD(U) legislators. The opposition includes the Congress with five MLAs and the National People’s Party (NPP) with seven legislators. Additionally, three Independent MLAs and two from the Kuki People’s Alliance are part of the Assembly.
In his resignation letter, Singh outlined five key requests to the Central Government through the Governor. These included maintaining Manipur’s territorial integrity, enforcing stricter border security measures to curb illegal immigration, continuing the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism, implementing a stringent biometric-based Free Movement Regime along the Indo-Myanmar border, and accelerating border infrastructure projects. Singh expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its interventions and developmental efforts during his tenure and stated that it had been an honor to serve the people of Manipur.
His resignation comes in the backdrop of sustained ethnic violence between the valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 3, 2023. Tensions were triggered by the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which was opposed by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM), leading to widespread protests and violent confrontations.
The turmoil was further exacerbated by allegations linking Singh to the conflict. A controversy erupted when the Supreme Court sought a sealed-cover forensic report on leaked audio clips in which Singh allegedly permitted Meitei groups to access government arms and ammunition during the clashes. The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), through advocate Prashant Bhushan, petitioned for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into Singh’s alleged involvement in orchestrating the violence against Kuki-dominated regions. Bhushan termed the audio leaks a serious matter, further intensifying scrutiny on Singh’s role in the crisis.
Amid growing dissatisfaction within the BJP’s Manipur unit, reports surfaced that several party MLAs had conveyed their discontent to the central leadership in Delhi. While state BJP President A. Sharda Devi maintained that Singh resigned keeping in mind the future of Manipur, sources suggested that he had lost significant political support within the party. Devi emphasized that his resignation was a move towards restoring peace in the state and ensuring the safety of its people.
Following Singh’s resignation, speculation has arisen regarding the state’s future governance. While the BJP is expected to announce a new Chief Minister soon, there are also discussions about the possibility of imposing President’s Rule in Manipur. The Governor has accepted Singh’s resignation, along with that of his council of ministers, and has requested him to continue in office until an alternative arrangement is in place.
With the resignation of Biren Singh, the Centre hopes to renew efforts to restore peace between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The unfolding political scenario in Manipur is expected to take a decisive turn in the coming days as the BJP leadership finalizes its strategy for the state’s governance. What next is everybody eying for?
