Feb. 13, 2025: Subsequent to the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the CM post, the prevailing political situation in Manipur has stirred more protest demonstrations voicing anger over the resignation.
Large-scale protests erupted in multiple regions, with women from Heingang, Sugnu, and Kumbi Assembly Constituencies voicing their anger and frustrations over the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the internal power-tussle within the BJP-led government. The protests reflected widespread concerns about the impact of political instability on the ongoing conflict in the state and the growing influence of external elements, particularly those associated with the Kuki-Narco insurgents.
At SDC Ground, Laipham Khunou in Imphal East, women from Heingang took to the streets in a powerful demonstration, demanding an end to the internal power struggles within the BJP and calling for unity in the face of the state’s critical situation. Shouting slogans like, “The politics of Kuki-Narco terrorists is to disintegrate Manipur; we are against the CM’s resignation; safeguarding Manipur should come first rather than fighting for the CM post,” the protesters made it clear that their priorities lay in securing peace and stability for the people of Manipur, rather than allowing political infighting to dictate the state’s future. The women also expressed their firm opposition to any collaboration with the Kuki insurgents, highlighting that the arrest of any village defense volunteer would not be tolerated.
A similar sentiment was echoed in Pangantabi, located in the Sugnu Assembly Constituency of Kakching District, where local women, led by Meira Paibis, gathered to express their discontent with the political turmoil. The protestors decried the ongoing political instability and the resignation of CM Biren Singh. They voiced that the fighting among BJP legislators for the Chief Minister’s position was distracting from the urgent need to resolve the crisis that has rocked the state. In a passionate demonstration, the women raised their voices against the divisive politics at play, with one protester stating, “We are against the resignation of CM Biren. Our focus should be on restoring peace in Manipur, not on who holds the CM post.” They also expressed their frustration with the internal tussle within the BJP and warned that such political infighting could lead to further destabilization of the region.
In Kumbi Assembly Constituency, protests followed a similar pattern as women from Wangoo Ahallup and Pombikhok gathered, demanding an end to the political chaos that has been escalating in the state. They too blamed the resignation of N. Biren Singh for the worsening political landscape, with the protests echoing the call for stability over political power struggles. “The resignation of CM Biren has made things worse. The Centre and the BJP need to understand that what Manipur needs is leadership, not more power struggles,” one protester stated. The protesters voiced their belief that the internal infighting within the BJP could very well lead to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, a scenario they strongly opposed. They warned that such a move would only fuel further unrest among the people, and they urged that the resignation drama be put to rest to allow for the much-needed focus on resolving the ongoing conflict in the state.
