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Biran Singh’s resignation letter demanded his exit as a step towards peace, emphasizing his efforts in border security, anti -drug operations and his efforts in regional integrity.
For months, rumors of Singh’s resignation broadcast. However, he was first staged in 2023, he was thwarted by loyalists, who physically tore his resignation letter, protested to keep him in power.
By adding to the political theater, Singh released a public apology on 31 December 2024, with the devastation caused by the ethnic conflict.
He urged people to forgive and forget, a statement widely criticized and inspired as a tone-defense, which was inspired by his role in ending the government’s crisis. His apology came only after months of national and international investigation, strengthening the notion that he was more concerned with rehabilitation of his image, which actually addressed the pain of Manipuris.
His resignation is now designed as a selfless task of leadership, but in fact, it is a strategic step to control the political story.
Connecting their troubles was the leaked audio controversy, which strengthened allegations of state’s complexity in violence. Forensic analysis of Truth Labs confirmed 93 percent of the possibility that Singh’s voice was on tape, discussing the use of terrorist groups for political purposes. This revelation shook BJP Credibility is making Singh a responsibility in the eyes of the party’s central leadership.
The letter of resignation of Singh to the Governor deployed his exit as an essential step to “protect the interests of each Manipuri” and restore the state’s general situation.
If his exit was really about peace, why did it take pace without any faith to force his hand? Instead of allowing biological infection, why was the central leadership of the BJP involved in deciding its fate?
These questions throw light on the fact that Singh’s resignation was about protecting the party’s image, not ensuring justice for the people of Manipur.
To understand the present, someone must look at the past. In 2015, Congress-led Manipur government passed three controversial bills-Manipur People’s Bill, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, and Manipur shops and establishments (second amendment) bill protection.
These laws, which were unstable to protect “indigenous people”, were widely condemned as anti-opposing measures aimed at the purpose of land ownership and business opportunities for hilly communities.
The response was fast and violent. Protests were observed in Charachandpur with Cookie-Zomi tribal groups, in which the law was seen as an attack on their autonomy. Nine tribal protesters were killed, their bodies left for an act of disregard for almost two years.
The controversy highlighted the increasing rift between the Metei-Varge Valley and the Cookie-Zomi tribal-prone hills, a division that deepened only under the BJP’s rule.
Singh’s resignation represents another flashpoint in Manipur’s unstable political scenario, like the 2015 opposition to 2015. This emphasizes the cyclic nature of political betrayal in the state, where leaders increase power to capitalize on ethnic complaints, leaving their promises once in the office only once.
Once expected about BJP’s rule, the cookie-Zomi community became a goal of state-supported aggression, while Meitei population saw itself more in political struggle. By the time Biran Singh stepped, his government had separated the two communities, leaving a fragmented, deep disbelief behind the state.
Singh’s resignation, therefore, does not mark a change towards stability – it emphasizes BJP’s failure on 2017 promises.
With Singh’s departure, the BJP now faces an important examination in Manipur. The immediate challenge is selecting a new Chief Minister who can restore stability without separating the depth divided ethnic communities. The BJP leadership is expected to take a decision about Singh’s successor in the coming days. Nevertheless, the option indicates whether the party is actually interested in reconciliation or is only under damage control.
A potential option is installing a technical leader who can act as a neutral figure and rebuild some levels of regulation of governance. However, the BJP may also opt for a loyalty, which continues to have a staunch policies of Singh, which puts the separation of further separation of tribal communities. This decision will send a strong message about the party’s priorities – whether it wants real peace or wants to strengthen power.
In addition, there will be important electoral effects in dealing with the BJP’s crisis. Just two years away with the state elections, the party must decide whether by addressing the root causes of the struggle to secure its presence in Manipur or by continuing its strategy of short -term political maneuver. A poor managed leadership can separate infection and more tribal communities, potentially converting them against the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Another important issue is likely to rebuild rebellion. Lack of confidence in the state government has created a vacuum, allowing rebel groups to re -establish their influence.
The central government’s role in solving the crisis of Manipur is uncertain. While Amit Shah’s intervention played a decisive role in Singh’s resignation, it is not clear whether the central government is ready to promote peace. So far, the center’s response has been largely reactive, and as long as a solid roadmap is placed for governance and harmony, instability will remain.
With new wounds in Manipur, the state does not require another politically convenient leadership transition. This requires a fundamental reorganization of governance – a roadmap that includes justice for victims, economic rehabilitation and real harmony between communities.
However, there are very few indications that there is a political will to start these changes in political establishments in Imphal or Delhi.
(Sangamuan Hanging, Kautilya is a public policy student in the School of Public Policy. It is a piece of opinion, and the idea expressed above is the author’s own. The Quint Neither endors nor responsible for them.)
