Mon Feb 10 09:10:02 UTC 2025: **Manipur Chief Minister Resigns Amidst Ongoing Ethnic Conflict**

GUWAHATI, India (February 10, 2025) – Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, after more than 21 months of ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla appointed him caretaker Chief Minister.

Sharda Devi, president of Manipur’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit, stated that the resignation was for the good of Manipur, aimed at safeguarding the state’s integrity and citizen safety, and not due to internal party differences. She asserted that there were no disagreements among BJP legislators.

However, observers suggest the resignation follows a decision by the BJP’s central leadership to bring in new leadership to address the ongoing crisis, which has claimed at least 250 lives and displaced approximately 60,000 people.

Lorho S. Pfoze, a former MP and Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader, attributed the political turmoil to ineffective governance. While acknowledging Singh’s efficiency, he noted the growing alienation of the minority Kuki-Zo population. He stressed the need for more effective administration and a renewed focus on development.

The Kuki-Zo Council, representing the Kuki-Zo communities, declared that Singh’s resignation wouldn’t change their demand for a separate administration. Spokesperson Ginza Vualzong emphasized that a political solution is the only way to address the deep ethnic divisions.

The conflict, contained for approximately three months, has resulted in the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities being largely separated, with each group displaced from the territory predominantly inhabited by the other.

Read More