Manipur: Biren Singh to continue as CM after resignation U-turn
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader N Biren Singh was reportedly on the verge of resigning as the Manipur Chief Minister on Friday but changed his mind under public pressure. According to the news outlet NDTV, Singh was set to hand in his resignation to Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey but made a last-minute U-turn after a huge show of support outside his Imphal residence.
Why does this story matter?
Ethnic violence has engulfed Manipur for over two months now after riots first broke out between the Meiteis and the state's tribal communities on May 3 over the former's demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Thousands of people have been displaced as a result of the continuous violence, with the state government, led by the BJP, failing to restore peace in the northeastern state.
We do not want CM to resign, say Manipuri women
Know about alleged 'options' for Singh
As per earlier reports, Singh was provided the choice of either stepping down as the CM or else the central government would step in and take charge of the situation. Notably, Singh met with Home Minister and top BJP leader Amit Shah regarding the ongoing violence on Sunday, and briefed him regarding the "evolving situation on the ground" in Manipur.
Home minister visited violence-hit Manipur last month
Last month, Shah also paid a three-day visit to Manipur, after which a peace committee was constituted to facilitate the peace-making process among different ethnic groups. Headed by Governor Uikey, the committee included the state CM, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, and leaders from several other political parties. However, the state continues to report widespread ethnic violence.
Shah's all-party meeting on Manipur violence last week
Furthermore, Shah conducted an all-party meeting last Saturday and hailed the "unwavering commitment" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolving the Manipur crisis. Opposition parties have, however, been vocally critical of the central government's handling of the situation in the northeastern state and have flagged the silence of the PM regarding the matter.
Kangpokpi: 3 dead in firing between armed rioters, security forces
Meanwhile, a fresh shootout was reported from the state's Kangpokpi district on Thursday. Three people lost their lives in the crossfire between security forces and suspected armed rioters. As per ANI, five individuals were also wounded in the gunfight that occurred in Haraothel village. Officials revealed that to tackle the situation, security forces "responded in a calibrated manner."
Over 100 dead in Manipur violence so far
As per media reports, approximately 50,000 people are currently residing in over 300 relief camps across the clash-ridden state, with ethnic violence claiming the lives of more than 100 people so far. The conflict in the northeastern state stemmed from the Meitei people's long-standing calls for ST status under the Indian Constitution, granting them rights comparable to those of tribal communities in Manipur.
