Manipur CM N Biren Singh to not resign after supporters tear resignation letter

Television channels showed the torn resignation letter which Biren had signed for submission to Governor Anusuiya Uikey.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday reversed his decision to resign after thousands of his supporters including women blocked his convoy enroute to Raj Bhawan and tore the resignation letter addressed to Governor Anushiya Uikey.

"At this crucial juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister," Singh tweeted at 4 pm, after he went back to his official residence due to the strong protests outside.

As the news about Biren's possible resignation spread on Friday morning, his supporters started gathering in front of his official residence and the crowd swelled by afternoon. Around 2 pm, as Biren and some of the BJP MLAs boarded the vehicles to visit Raj Bhawan situated around 200-meters away, the crowd blocked the convoy. Biren got down from his car and tried to convince the crowd but there was no let up in the protest.

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Around 2.30 pm, two ministers Susindro Meitei and Govindas Konthoujam came out and addressed the crowd saying that Singh has decided not to resign respecting their sentiments. Sources said some among the crowd snatched Singh's resignation letter from the ministers and tore it in public view. "I hereby submit my resignation as Chief Minister of Manipur. I thank you for your cooperation and guidance during the past few months," said the resignation letter purportedly signed by Biren and addressed to the Governor.

A photo of the torn resignation latter. Credit: Special Arrangement

All this took place amid Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to the conflict-ridden state. Gandhi met the Governor on Friday afternoon during which he also expressed concern over the state of law and order in Manipur and poor amenities in the relief camps.

Singh was supposed to meet the Governor and submit his resignation owing to his alleged failure to stop the violence, which has kept the Northeastern state in turmoil for nearly two months. Nearly 120 people have died and 60,000 others have been rendered homeless since the clashes between sections of Meitei and Kuki communities started on May 3. The clashes started over the demand for ST by the Meiteis, who constitute about 53 per cent of Manipur's population.

Biren, 62, who became the CM for the second straight term last year, has been drawing flak from the Opposition parties as well as from leaders within his party due to his alleged failure to control the violence. Union Minister of State for External Affairs and senior BJP Lok Sabha member from BJP, Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh, was among the prominent leaders who openly alleged that law and order in the state failed. Singh made the allegation after his residence in Imphal was burnt down by miscreants recently. Many organisations including the Opposition Congress too have demanded Singh's removal and imposition of President's Rule.

Sources said Singh met some of his cabinet ministers at around 8 am on Friday in which he disclosed his decision to quit. An aide of Singh told DH that the CM decided to quit after getting calls from New Delhi following fresh violence on Thursday in which two people were killed.

But sources within BJP said that the strong protest on Friday suggested the popularity of Biren, a Meitei leader, particularly among the majority Meiteis.