By The Sampadak Express
In a significant political development, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, citing the ongoing ethnic violence and the difficult situation in the state. His resignation comes as the state continues to grapple with deadly unrest, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023.
Singh submitted his resignation letter to the state governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. Accompanying him were key figures, including BJP’s state president A Sharda, Sambit Patra, who oversees the North East region for the party, and at least 19 legislators from his party.
In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude towards the Central government for its support and efforts in addressing the situation in the state. “It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur so far,” Singh wrote. He acknowledged the timely interventions and the various developmental initiatives carried out by the central government in a bid to safeguard the interests of the people of Manipur. Singh also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the government’s continued assistance during this trying period.
The resignation comes just a day after Singh made public statements about his government’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Manipur, a region severely affected by ethnic violence. The violence, which has displaced large sections of the population, has left deep scars on the state’s social fabric. Singh, in his address, reassured the public that his administration had been making every possible effort to restore peace and facilitate the peaceful coexistence of different communities. “The state government has been making all possible efforts to restore peace and to ensure that people live together peacefully as before,” he asserted.
However, despite the government’s efforts, the violence has continued unabated, further escalating tensions in the region. On the very day of Singh’s resignation, gunmen looted arms from an India Reserve Battalion (IRB) outpost in the Thoubal district, highlighting the precarious security situation in the state. The attackers arrived in vehicles and made off with a significant number of weapons, including six Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and three AK-47 rifles, from the outpost in Kakmayai.
The ongoing violence and the continued lawlessness in Manipur have left the state reeling. The Chief Minister’s resignation, along with the fresh wave of violence, underscores the growing concerns over the government’s ability to restore order. Singh had previously apologized to the people of Manipur on December 31, 2024, for the prolonged ethnic conflict. Reflecting on the devastating year, Singh expressed deep regret, acknowledging the widespread suffering and loss of life. “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 [2023],” he said in a public statement.
Singh’s apology resonated with many who had endured the brunt of the violence, which had forced many to flee their homes and livelihoods. The former Chief Minister expressed hope, however, that the state’s recovery process could be completed by 2025. “I feel regret. I apologise. But now, I hope after seeing the last three to four months of progress towards peace, I believe by 2025, the normalcy will be restored in the state,” he added.
The situation in Manipur has garnered widespread attention as the state continues to face intense political, social, and ethnic strife. The resignation of the Chief Minister has left many questioning the future course of action to restore peace and stability in the state, as the ethnic violence remains unresolved despite significant intervention efforts.
As of now, it is unclear who will succeed Singh as the Chief Minister of Manipur, with political parties and stakeholders closely monitoring the developments. The state remains on edge as violence continues to ravage communities, leaving Manipur in a state of uncertainty.
For the latest updates, stay tuned to The Sampadak Express.
