Manipur CM N. Biren Singh Resigns Amid Ongoing Ethnic Conflict
Political Turmoil Deepens as BJP Leader Steps Down
Imphal, February 9, 2025 – In a significant political development, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post on Sunday, nearly two years after ethnic violence erupted in the state. Singh tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal, marking the end of his tenure as the leader of the BJP-led government.
Singh, who took office in 2017 and secured a second term in 2022, expressed gratitude to the Central government for its interventions in Manipur’s crisis but urged continued efforts to safeguard the state’s integrity. His resignation letter highlighted key issues such as border security, the fight against drug trafficking, and measures to curb illegal immigration.
Accompanied by state BJP president A. Sharda and BJP’s North East Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, along with at least 19 MLAs, Singh stated, “It has been an honor to serve the people of Manipur. I sincerely request the Central government to continue its efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the state.”
Why Did Biren Singh Resign Now?
Singh’s resignation comes at a politically charged moment, just ahead of the upcoming assembly session where the opposition Congress was set to move a no-confidence motion against his government. Sources indicate that the BJP leadership had been assessing Singh’s position, particularly after senior party leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, held meetings in New Delhi last week.
The Congress, which has been demanding Singh’s resignation since May 2023, hailed the move but called it “belated.” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media, stating, “The people of Manipur have been suffering for nearly two years. The CM’s resignation was long overdue. The Prime Minister, however, has still not visited the state.”
Adding to the political uncertainty, Manipur Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh alleged that Biren Singh had warned his MLAs that any legislator supporting the no-confidence motion would face public backlash. Meanwhile, the BJP-led government, which once held a comfortable majority, has been facing increasing internal dissent, with key allies such as the National People’s Party (NPP) and Janata Dal (United) withdrawing support.
Manipur’s Ongoing Crisis: A State Divided
The backdrop of Singh’s resignation is the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people since May 2023. The violence erupted following a Manipur High Court order directing the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community—a decision that led to strong opposition from the Kuki tribes.
The conflict has split Manipur into two ethnic zones: the Meitei-dominated valley and the Kuki-controlled hill districts. Repeated outbreaks of violence, curfews, and internet shutdowns have made governance increasingly difficult. The state government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, with opposition leaders accusing Singh of failing to restore peace.
Adding to the unrest, just hours before Singh’s resignation, armed assailants looted weapons from an India Reserve Battalion (IRB) outpost in Thoubal district, raising fresh security concerns. The attackers escaped with several Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and AK-series weapons, underscoring the deteriorating law and order situation.
What Happens Next?
With Singh’s resignation, Manipur now faces political uncertainty. The BJP holds 37 MLAs in the 60-member assembly, but with allies withdrawing support and internal discontent rising, the party will need to decide on its next course of action. Speculation is rife over Singh’s potential successor, with names such as Th. Biswajit Singh and Govindas Konthoujam emerging as contenders.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally visit Manipur and outline a plan for peace. In a social media post, he wrote, “For nearly two years, BJP’s CM instigated division. The resignation is a reckoning, but restoring peace must be the top priority.”
A Leadership Crisis Amid a Security Emergency
Biren Singh’s resignation marks a turning point in Manipur’s ongoing turmoil, but it does not resolve the deep-seated ethnic and political divisions gripping the state. With tensions still high and governance in flux, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future leadership of Manipur and whether lasting peace can finally be achieved.
As the political landscape shifts, the people of Manipur remain in desperate need of stability—both from their leaders and from a government capable of restoring order to the conflict-ridden state.
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