New Delhi (India), January 1: Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accusing him of exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the state. Dikshit criticized the Chief Minister for failing to resolve the crisis and for allegedly inflaming tensions between communities.
Dikshit stated, “We could understand if the CM tried to control the law and order situation but failed to resolve the conflict. However, when a CM actively worsens the situation by taking sides between two communities, it becomes unforgivable. If he truly believes his actions were wrong, he should resign.”
Dikshit’s comments followed an apology issued by Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday regarding the ongoing crisis in the state. Singh urged the people of Manipur to “forget the past” and work together toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
In response to the apology, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his silence on the issue. Ramesh emphasized that while the Chief Minister’s apology came 19 months after the crisis began, the real issue was the Prime Minister’s failure to address the situation.
Ramesh said, “It has taken 19 months for the CM to apologize, but that’s not enough. The real issue is why the Prime Minister has not spoken about Manipur. He has traveled across the country but has not visited the state or engaged with the affected communities.”
Reflecting on the ongoing crisis, CM Biren Singh expressed regret for the violence that has ravaged the state since May 3, 2023, when clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence was triggered by a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM), protesting the Manipur High Court’s recommendation to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
Singh said, “This entire year has been unfortunate. Many people have lost their loved ones, and many have been displaced. I deeply regret this situation and want to apologize to the people of Manipur.”
He further called on all communities in the state to move forward, saying, “We must now forget past mistakes and start anew, working towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur. I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored in the state.”
The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities continues to affect Manipur, with both communities urging for a resolution to end the turmoil.