Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh submitted his resignation on Sunday evening during a significant political development days after he faced political unrest in the state. Earlier in the day, Singh met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda, which resulted in his decision. After returning from Delhi, Singh arrived at the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation, along with BJP MP Sambit Patra and several state government ministers.
It comes amid increasing pressure and political instability, especially after a year of violent turmoil in Manipur. Singh had earlier apologized to the people of the state over the violence and said many had to face difficulties due to it. Singh had said, “This has been an incredibly difficult year,” expressing sorrow for the loss of lives and displacement of families. He would also like to see a return to normalcy in the state by 2025.
Singh pointed out a few main points in his resignation letter to the Governor and called on the central government to take steps to maintain the integrity and safety of the state. One of their demands by Singh included steps to preserve the state unity and heritage of the land of Manipur. He also called for a legal framework to ensure that no one can infiltrate across the border and action to expel illegal migrants. Singh also underscored the compelling fight against narcotics terrorism and called for the introduction of a tighter, more secure MFR (Multi-Function Registration) regime with mandatory biometric identification. He also called for expanding quick development works along the border to continue.
Singh’s resignation came on the eve of the state assembly’s winter session beginning Sunday amid speculation that the opposition Congress party was preparing to bring a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister. The threat of an early challenge to his leadership had also been rising, underpinned by signs of discontent in the ruling party.
These developments prompted Singh to go to Delhi for consultations with BJP leaders before returning to tender his resignation to the Governor.
Manipur’s political history is opening up to a new chapter that awaits to unfold, but the direction of its travel is uncertain. Now, responsibility is shifting to the Centre, and a new leadership will steer the state through its present crisis.
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