Manipur CM Biren Singh Resigns Amid Fresh Unrest In Violence-Hit Northeastern State

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh has finally resigned.

“It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur so far,” Biren wrote in his resignation letter, which was handed over to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday.

He was accompanied by state BJP president A Sharda, BJP’s North East Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra, and at least 19 MLAs.

“I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interest of every single Manipuri,” Biren stated.

A day earlier, Biren asserted people that his government was making all efforts to restore peace in the north-eastern state hit by ethnic strife since May 2023.

However, unidentified gunmen looted arms from India Reserve Battalion (IRB) outpost in Thoubal district on Saturday night.

“Armed men who came in several vehicles looted at least six SLRs and three AK rifles from the personnel of IRB and Manipur Rifles from an outpost at Kakmayai in Thoubal district,” officials told PTI.

Over 250 people have lost their lives and thousands rendered homeless over the last 21 months.

There have been multiple calls from Opposition parties for Biren to step down.

The CM apologised on December 31, but continued in his post.

“This entire year (2024) 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.

“I feel regret. I apologise. But now, I hope after seeing the last three to four months progress towards peace, I believe by 2025, normalcy will be restored in the state.”

That didn’t happen, and as fresh violence erupted, Biren felt it was time for him to step down.