Manipur Crisis: What N. Biren Singh’s Resignation Signals for the State’s Future
The resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh marks a significant political development in a state that has been reeling from prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023. While the step is being viewed by many as coming far too late, it may yet open the door for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation in a deeply fractured society.
Any path back to normalcy now hinges on the authorities’ ability to conduct thorough investigations and ensure justice for the victims of the conflict. For the thousands who have lost family, homes, or a sense of security, justice remains the essential first step toward healing and rebuilding trust.
There’s a Hindi proverb — “Der aaye, durust aaye” — which means “better late than never.” However, Singh’s resignation, nearly 20 months after the onset of violence, feels to many like justice delayed, and perhaps, denied. Since the outbreak of ethnic clashes, more than 250 lives have been lost and over 75,000 people displaced, in what has become one of the most severe internal conflicts in recent Indian history.
For the Kuki tribal community in particular, Singh has been widely viewed as a partisan figure whose leadership exacerbated tensions. Many of his actions — or inactions — were perceived to favour his own Meitei community. Among the most criticized moves was the state’s approach to insurgency, including a Suspension of Operations agreement only with Kuki groups, while Meitei outfits reportedly operated with impunity.
Further eroding trust were incidents like the January 2024 meeting allegedly orchestrated by Arambai Tenggol, in which all Meitei legislators were compelled to participate, and Singh’s vocal opposition to extending the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to the Meitei-dominated valley areas, even as violence continued to rage.
His perceived failure to contain the situation effectively meant that peace committees have barely begun functioning, and investigative action on over 10,000 FIRs remains limited.
As Manipur now stands at a crossroads, Singh’s exit could offer a chance to reset the political narrative. But the real test lies ahead: whether the state and central governments can foster accountability, ensure justice, and ultimately bring the warring communities to the negotiating table
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