Imphal: Feb 09: On Sunday, a day before a crucial Assembly session, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh submitted his resignation to Governor A.K. Bhalla. However, the Governor has requested that Singh continue as the caretaker Chief Minister. In his resignation letter, Singh expressed his deep gratitude to the Central government for its timely interventions, developmental initiatives, and efforts to safeguard the interests of the people of Manipur.
Singh’s letter highlighted several key areas of focus, including the preservation of Manipur’s territorial integrity, which he described as essential due to the state’s rich and diverse civilizational history. He also emphasized the importance of combating border infiltration, creating policies to deport illegal immigrants, and tackling drug-related issues and narco-terrorism. Furthermore, Singh noted the implementation of a revised biometric-based mechanism for Foreigners’ Registration and the development of a time-bound plan for border improvements.
Nongthombam Biren Singh, 64, became the 12th Chief Minister of Manipur on March 15, 2017, after leading the BJP to its first victory in the state. He successfully retained power in the 2022 Assembly elections. However, his second term was overshadowed by ethnic violence between the Meitis and Kuki-Zos communities, which erupted in May 2023, causing significant unrest in the state.
Following his resignation submission, Singh met with Governor Bhalla, accompanied by key BJP leaders, including Sambit Patra, BJP’s northeast in-charge and Lok Sabha member, and state unit BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi. A senior party official indicated that the central leadership, in consultation with state leaders, would announce the new Chief Ministerial candidate in the coming days. While there had been speculation about Singh stepping down, his resignation took both political and non-political circles by surprise.
