After Biren Singh’s Resignation, What Next For Manipur's Kukis, Meitis? Exclusive
While Manipur's Kukis and Meiteis are relieved, the centre will have to play a crucial in bringing peace, say intelligence, government sources
Will the resignation of N Biren Singh as the Manipur CM provide an opportunity to the two warring communities – Kukis and Meiteis – to discuss their issues? News18 tried to get the answer from government and intelligence sources.
Amid rumblings within the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking a change of leadership in strife-torn Manipur, Singh on Sunday tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal. The governor accepted Singh’s resignation, along with that of his council of ministers, and requested that he continue in office until alternative arrangements are made.
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The development came hours after Singh returned from Delhi after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Singh had been defying the opposition’s demand to step down as the CM of the where ethnic violence broke out 21 months ago in May 2023.
Meanwhile, the state assembly session which was scheduled to begin on Monday has been called off.
WHAT GOVERNMENT SOURCES SAY
According to the sources in the government, the Kukis feel that Singh’s government favoured the Meiteis. “More evidence came after the audio leak where he instructed agencies to help Meiteis. The Kuki community was also upset because they felt the Singh government did not address their issues related to land rights, autonomy and development," said sources.
On the other hand, the Meiteis, too, are dissatisfied with Singh over the delay in the implementation of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which they have been demanding for years. “The Meitei community feels that Singh’s government did not develop their key area, the Imphal valley."
The main sentiment across the two communities is that Singh’s government did not do enough to address the ongoing ethnic tensions, which ultimately led to escalation of violence.
Both the sides are also upset over issues related to corruption, governance and accountability.
#ManipurNews | Manipur BJP President Sharda Devi speaks out! "Biren Singh sacrificed his post for Manipur's peace & integrity," she says in an #exclusive conversation with #CNNNews18's @KamalikaSenguptDenies BJP MLAs supported Congress | #WATCH! pic.twitter.com/mvzprgCxlj
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 10, 2025
WHAT INTELLIGENCE SOURCES SAY
While intelligence sources said Singh’s resignation will bring relief, they said it is still not clear if it will lead to immediate peace.
“The Kuki-Zo community views Singh’s departure as a necessary step, but not a guarantee of peace. It wants justice for the past atrocities and a separate administrative territory to ensure their safety and rights," they said.
The central government’s role will also be crucial in resolving the crisis. A detailed probe will be needed in the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) ongoing cases to find the reasons behind the violence which cost 250 lives and displaced 75,000.
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