The resignation of the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, came late and brought little hope. There might have been some hope if he had accepted responsibility for the unrest and violence that has plagued the state for the past 22 months. The Center’s acceptance of N. Biren Singh’s resignation was due to political pressure. The BJP faced mounting pressure from its NDA allies at the Centre, as well as from disgruntled MLAs and local allies of the ruling party. However, political analysts in Manipur believe that merely changing the Chief Minister will not alter the situation in the state. Discontent among BJP MLAs regarding N. Biren Singh has been evident, with signs of rebellion within their ranks recently. Furthermore, the alliance parties, such as the NPP and the JD(U), were also dissatisfied. This resignation seems to be aimed at preventing the BJP from losing control over Manipur. BJP MLAs were facing backlash from the public, and ultimately, the party had to take this step to preserve its image.
N. Biren Singh’s resignation has opened the door for political and social unity within the Meitei community. Recently, a political strategy session concerning his resignation took place in Imphal. A joint organization of radical youth groups from the Meitei community informed the BJP of its political decisions. After N. Biren Singh’s resignation, there seems to be little hope for significant change in the state. Both communities are unlikely to compromise on their respective demands and the new Chief Minister will undoubtedly be chosen from the Meitei community. A meeting of all the Meitei MLAs, organized by radical groups at Imphal, was held, with all Meitei MLAs in attendance except for N. Biren Singh. During the meeting, an oath was administered, and even MLAs from the opposition participated.
Dissatisfaction with the BJP’s handling of the Manipur crisis led seven party MLAs to hold a silent sit-in at Jantar Mantar, wearing black masks on December 10 of last year. In December 2024, NDA allies also withdrew from N. Biren Singh’s government. Naga organizations issued an ultimatum to the central government demanding that the 2015 Naga Peace Accord be made public before January 26, putting pressure on its implementation. The state government has only taken superficial action against armed organizations, which has not changed the ongoing violence and unrest. Central security forces have also struggled to maintain balance between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in a perception of bias in their deployment and actions.
Youth organizations from both communities have become armed and communalized, engaging in guerrilla-style conflicts. A parallel government of armed youth organizations is currently operating in Manipur. The Kuki community has established a structure for separate administration, believing it to be a permanent solution. Conversely, the Meitei community demands the removal of illegal Kuki settlers in the hilly areas and the fencing of the border. While the Kuki community seeks a separate administration, the so-called “double-Engine government” has failed to identify and account for illegal settlers, managing to fence only 30 kilometres of the border. Displaced individuals due to violence have not yet been resettled, and state administration has ceased functioning effectively in Kuki areas. Education, health services, government transport, and other public services are not operating smoothly. Informally, a separate administration is running in the Kuki area, where the Kuki people prefer to rely on local administrative services rather than connect with Imphal.
The identity that Manipur had cultivated over the past 50 years as a state with various ethnic communities coexisting within a political entity has been shattered by the violence and unrest of the last 22 months. No government body, community, or political leader is willing to take responsibility for this turmoil. The future of the state appears bleak, and many residents, troubled by the current situation, are being forced to migrate elsewhere, leaving them anxious about their future. Ethnic divisions have eroded the state’s unity, leaving it diminished both culturally and politically. Manipur is not just a state but a geo-cultural family that includes the Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Muslim communities, all of whom are integral to its identity.
The residents of the state are calling for a government that operates impartially, independently, and with consensus. Strict action should be taken against those contributing to the unrest.
Residents of the state want the government to operate impartially, independently, and with consensus. Strict action should be taken against armed groups; they should be disarmed and declared illegal. As long as communities are led by these armed groups, the existence of a democratic government in the state is undermined.
A significant gap of distrust has grown between communities in Manipur, which can only be addressed by a government that works under the supervision of an inclusive all-community and all-party committee. Constitutional and democratic institutions must function impartially and independently, fulfilling their responsibilities as a constitutional obligation alongside their governmental duties. Political, developmental, and administrative decisions regarding Manipur should be made by public representatives and administrative officers in Imphal. If such decisions are dictated from the Prime Minister’s Office or the BJP office in New Delhi, the prospects for peace and stability in the state will diminish, along with the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
The 6th session of the 12th State Legislative Assembly expired on February 10, but the notification for the 7th session was declared null and void on February 9, which is a clear violation of the Constitution. On February 9, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced his resignation in New Delhi, yet a new Chief Minister has not been appointed. Those affected by violence and displacement believe that the destruction and mistrust created in the last 22 months will not change merely with the Chief Minister’s resignation. The BJP has lost credibility among the general public, and its government no longer enjoys public support. The BJP government lacks the confidence to secure votes in the assembly. The state government is failing to address concerns in Kuki areas, and a significant part of the state remains under Article 355. While the presence of central security forces can control violence, it cannot establish lasting peace. Only a dedicated government can restore inter-community cooperation and peace.
The immediate need in Manipur is to impose the President’s rule and hold assembly elections so that residents can live in peace and harmony within a democratic framework. Governmental and political support for separate administration and unconstitutional demands will not lead to a brighter future for any community in Manipur.
Inter-community violence has occurred multiple times in Manipur over the past three decades, but it has never resulted in a situation that warranted separate administration or a continuation of a government that has lost public trust. Community representatives and leaders must also take responsibility for preventing drug cultivation, smuggling, and the illegal possession of arms in the hill regions. The public representatives and government are accountable for ensuring that an environment does not foster radical youth organizations and that access to weapons remains restricted.
In addition to his resignation, the Chief Minister, as the head of the government, should take responsibility for the unrest, insecurity, and violence that has plagued the state for the past 22 months. Communities affected by violence should seek reconciliation and dialogue to rebuild trust for their future in Manipur.
Suwa Lal Jangu, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Mizoram University, Aizawl
