Will not step down at this crucial juncture, says Manipur CM Biren Singh

With Manipur engulfed in violence and several political parties and organisations seeking his resignation, N Biren Singh on Friday clarified that he was not resigning from his post.

After day-long rumours about his resignation, Singh took to Twitter and wrote: "At this crucial juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister."

On Friday, a large number of women gathered in the streets of Imphal as there was a buzz that Biren Singh was going to Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation. The women groups gathered in Nupi Lal Complex in Imphal and prevented Singh from going to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey.


Singh, accompanied by several ministers and leaders at around 2.30 pm came out of his official bungalow, tried to move towards Raj Bhavan, but thousands of people, mostly women encircled his car and forced him to return to his residence. Some women holding banners and placards told the media that they would not allow Singh to resign. The CM was supposed to meet the governor at 10 am, which was then deferred to 1 pm and then later to 3 pm due to the huge crowd.

Manipur government spokesman and Health and Family Welfare Minister Sapam Ranjan Singh said that the huge crowds prevented the chief minister from going to the Raj Bhavan.

On Thursday, clashes took place between a group of women and security forces in Imphal following the shootout in the Sejam Chirang incident. Two people died and at least four were injured in the incident. Body of Waikhom Boicha alias Nilkamal was brought to Imphal on Thursday. The body was taken though the Khwairamband Ima Market where hundreds paid a floral tribute to him. Women were not allowing the police to take away the body.

The state police along with the Rapid Action Force fired several rounds of stun bombs and teargas shells and got the body, and deposited it at the hospital morgue. Later, irate mob set ablaze a police outpost set up at the Khwairamband Ima Market.

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