Manipur CM N Biren Singh likely to resign amidst violence

As the situation in Manipur continues to deteriorate, with ongoing attacks, increasing casualties, and incidents of arson, Chief Minister N Biren Singh is expected to tender his resignation tomorrow, though there has been no official confirmation of this development.

The current wave of violence erupted on May 3 following the Tribal Solidarity March in Churachandpur, after several Meitei houses were set ablaze in the nearby town of Torbung, located approximately 10.5 kilometers away. The clashes between the Meiteis and the Kukis have resulted in around 130 fatalities and the destruction of numerous homes, leaving thousands seeking refuge in relief centers established throughout Manipur.

This marks Singh’s second term as Chief Minister, following the BJP’s victory in the 2022 Assembly elections, where they secured a majority on their own.

According to sources, the Assembly is expected to be suspended, while a high-level meeting chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs is underway to address the unfolding situation in Manipur at the time of filing this report. According to the report, a source revealed that New Delhi had made several forceful phone calls to the Chief Minister today, but the details of the conversations remain undisclosed. “The calls from Delhi appeared unusually intense,” noted the source, who preferred to remain anonymous. Another source disclosed that the Chief Minister was given the choice of submitting his resignation or having the Central Government intervene and take charge. Consequently, the Chief Minister is likely to tender his resignation to the Governor tomorrow, although there is no official confirmation of this at present.