Manipur CM Biren Singh quits amid dissidence, SC probe over ‘audio leak’

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 9, 2025

In a dramatic turn of events, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, just a day before the Opposition Congress was set to move a no-confidence motion against his government in the state assembly. His resignation also comes amid heightened legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court examining leaked audio tapes allegedly linking him to the ongoing ethnic violence in the state.

A Raj Bhawan press release here confirmed that Singh along with his cabinet colleagues called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and submitted his resignation. The Governor accepted his resignation and asked him to continue the office till alternative arrangements are made.

In his resignation letter, Singh said, “I, Nongthombam Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, am submitting my resignation herewith. It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far.”

Singh expressed gratitude to the Central government for its interventions and developmental initiatives in the state. He urged continued efforts to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity, crackdown on illegal immigration, combat narco-terrorism, and strengthen border security.

“I am extremely grateful to the Central government for its timely actions, developmental work, and implementation of various projects to protect the interests of every single Manipuri. My sincere request to the Central government is to continue with the same commitment,” Singh wrote.

He further stated the importance of maintaining Manipur’s territorial unity, enforcing stricter border controls to prevent infiltration, and expediting biometric verification under the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

Singh’s resignation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s directive on February 4, seeking a sealed-cover report from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory regarding leaked audio tapes. The tapes, cited by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, allegedly implicate Singh in fueling ethnic violence that has claimed over 200 lives since May last year. While the Manipur government has dismissed the tapes as fabricated, the Supreme Court has scheduled its next hearing for March 24.

Meanwhile, the Congress party is moving forward with its no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government on Monday. Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra, in a post on X, hinted at the political maneuver, stating, “Brahmastra Missile will surely hit one of the Double Engine! Congress party set to move No Confidence Motion anytime soon.”

In the 60-member Assembly, Congress holds five seats, while the National People’s Party (NPP) has seven. The ruling BJP commands a majority with 32 MLAs and enjoys the support of five Naga People’s Front legislators and six from JD(U). Additionally, three Independent MLAs and two from the Kuki People’s Alliance add to the political equation.

Singh’s departure marks a significant shift in Manipur’s political landscape, with both the Supreme Court’s findings and the upcoming no-confidence motion likely to shape the state’s future leadership.