High-voltage drama in Imphal over Manipur CM's 'resignation'

Manipur Chief Minister Biren N Singh has confirmed that he will not be resigning from his position after the speculations were being made on his resignation.

The high-voltage drama unfolded in Imphal after thousands of demonstrators blocked Manipur Chief Minister Biren N Singh's convoy from proceeding toward Raj Bhavan.

Unconfirmed reports said that the CM had typed out a resignation letter but was persuaded by his supporters to tear it up.


"We are protesting to stop CM N Biren Singh from resigning. He is highlighting our issues, which we appreciate. He is working not only for Manipur but for the whole nation," said a woman supporter of Manipur CM N Biren Singh.


After the protests over his resignation, women leaders came out of his residence and assured the crowd that the CM will not resign. Earlier in the afternoon, hundreds of youth wearing black shirts and women sat down in front of the CM's residence demanding that Biren Singh should not resign.

"At this critical juncture, the Biren Singh government should stand firm and crack down on troublemakers," said Kshetrimayum Shanti, a women leader.

The toll in exchange of fire between security forces and suspected rioters in Kangpokpi district a day before, rose to three on Friday, with one more person succumbing to injuries in hospital, officials said.

Armed rioters had opened unprovoked firing at Haraothel village on Thursday. The Army said security forces personnel "responded in a calibrated manner" to tackle the situation, they said.

The demonstrators, led by women dared police to arrest them and were also seen burning tyres in the middle of the road to prevent police movement.

As security personnel stopped them from marching to Singh's residence, the processionists turned violent, prompting police to use tear gas shells and resort to lathi-charge to disperse the mob.

More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals, Nagas and Kukis, constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.

The opposition has been behind Biren Singh's resignation citing the violence in the state. Rahul Gandhi, senior Congress leader is in Manipur to visit those affected by the riots.

(With inputs from PTI)