Manipur CM Biren Singh Resigns Two Years After Ethnic Violence Erupted

• Feb 9, 2025

 N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, tendered his resignation to Governor AK Bhalla on Sunday, marking a significant political shift in the state. This comes after intense discussions within the BJP and multiple meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Biren Singh’s resignation follows a long-standing debate within the BJP, which had allowed him to remain in power despite accusations linking him to violence that claimed over 200 lives in the state. Recently, the Supreme Court had instructed the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) to verify the authenticity of leaked audio tapes that allegedly feature Singh boasting about his involvement in the violence.

Singh, a Meitei leader, has been at the heart of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. The Kuki community has been vocal in calling for his removal, fueling tensions in the state.

On Sunday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh officially resigned from his position, submitting his resignation letter to Governor AK Bhalla. The move follows two meetings earlier this week, and again on Sunday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Singh’s exit has been a widely discussed issue within the BJP. Despite his controversial role in the violence that erupted in the state, leading to over 200 deaths, he remained in office until now. The Supreme Court had recently directed the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL) to investigate the authenticity of leaked audio tapes in which Singh allegedly boasts about his involvement in the violence.

A prominent Meitei leader, Singh has been central to the ongoing ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the state. The Kuki groups have been vocal in their demand for his resignation, accusing him of stoking tensions.

In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Manipur and acknowledged the support of the Central government. He requested that the government continue its efforts to ensure the welfare of the people of the state. "It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far. I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work, and the implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipuri," Singh wrote. "I sincerely request the Central government to continue these efforts," he added.

The timing of his resignation coincides with the pending submission of the CFSL report to the Supreme Court, which has instructed that it be submitted in a sealed cover due to the sensitive nature of the matter.