Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addresses a press conference in Imphal
Credit: PTI Photo
Guwahati: After the National People's Party (NPP), another NDA ally, Mizo National Front (MNF) on Thursday demanded Manipur CM N Biren Singh's resignation stating that the ongoing crisis was exacerbated by "catastrophic failure" of the state government.
The party also demanded that the Centre should take urgent and "decisive action" to end the crisis as the suffering inflicted upon our Zofate brethren (greater Zo community) has reached "intolerable levels."
"Chief Minister Singh’s inaction and misuse of power have only worsened the situation, making his continuation in office both untenable and shameful. His leadership has not only failed to resolve the crisis but has also perpetuated the suffering of innocent people. We demand that Chief Minister Biren Singh step down immediately," MNF general secretary, VL. Krosehnehzova said in a statment.
"The central government must take urgent, decisive action to end this crisis once and for all, ensuring that the people of Manipur reclaim their democratic rights and dignity."
Strength of MNF
MNF has no MLA in Manipur but is the principal Opposition party in neighbouring Mizoram, where many displaced Kuki-Zo people fled and have been taking shelter since the Meitei-Kuki conflict erupted in May last year. MNF, led by Zoramthanga, was in power in Mizoram till it lost to elections to Zoram People's Movement in December last year. Zoramthnaga had openly criticised Biren Singh after the violence erupted last year. MNF is stil part of the NDA. Mizos share ethnic ties with the Kuki-Zo communties.
The MNF said Biren Singh’s administration, at least 219 people belonging to the ethnic communities died till November 22, destroyed nearly 360 churches, and left many others injured. Over 7,000 homes have been burnt, and 200 villages reduced to ashes. More than 41,425 persons have been displaced, forced to live as refugees within their own country. Such atrocities demand not just leadership but an unrelenting pursuit of justice and restoration, it said.
In a nation celebrated as the world’s largest democracy, the continued erosion of human rights and attacks on religious sanctuaries betray the foundational values of justice and secularism. That an elected government would stand idle amidst such suffering is an affront to democracy and a global embarrassment, the MNF further stated.
The NPP on November 17 withdrew its support saying the Biren Singh-led government "completely failed" to resolve the crisis. With seven MLAs, NPP is the second biggest party in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. BJP still enjoys the majority with 38 legislators.