Biren Singh’s Resignation Was Compelled by Centre, Not an Act of Conscience: Bimol Akoijam

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Biren Singh’s Resignation Was Compelled by Centre, Not an Act of Conscience: A. Bimol Akoijam

MOHAN KHOUND

A day after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, Congress MP A. Bimol Akoijam on Monday (February 10, 2025) asserted that Singh’s removal was not a voluntary act of conscience but a decision forced upon him by the Central government.

Akoijam, the Inner Manipur MP, argued that the resignation was a result of mounting pressure from the Opposition, both inside and outside Parliament, particularly after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which saw the Congress unseat the BJP and its ally NPF from both parliamentary seats in the state.

“Biren Singh’s removal was not an act of conscience; it was because the Centre was compelled to remove him,” Akoijam said in an interview with The Hindu. He emphasized that Singh’s loss of support from his own party legislators was a direct consequence of the sustained pressure created by the Opposition.

“Do you think Biren would have survived without the blessings of the Amit Shah and Modi duo?” Akoijam questioned, likening Singh’s removal to a “false flag operation” in military terms. “He has been used and thrown,” he added.

A Test for the Centre’s Intent
Akoijam, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi who rose to prominence for his writings and speeches during Manipur’s ongoing ethnic conflict, warned that the real test of the Centre’s commitment to the state was yet to come. “Whether they take it as a moment to correct themselves will show whether they care,” he said. He stressed that true accountability would only be achieved if the Union government acknowledged its share of responsibility for the crisis in Manipur.

While Singh remains the caretaker Chief Minister amid uncertainty over the next steps, Akoijam expressed his preference for a new state government over the imposition of President’s Rule. “I would rather have a new State government than President’s Rule, as a matter of principle,” he said, adding that the Centre could have invoked President’s Rule earlier if it had truly intended to address the conflict.

Key Issues Facing Manipur

Akoijam outlined four critical issues that need immediate attention in Manipur:

Addressing the genuine concerns of various communities about perceived injustices.

Tackling the rampant drug problem in the state.

Combating the degradation of forests, lakes, and rivers.

Implementing a comprehensive disarmament plan that treats different armed groups—such as village volunteers, criminal elements, and proscribed outfits—with distinct approaches.

“In disarming the State, groups like village volunteers, criminally minded people, and members of proscribed armed outfits cannot be treated the same way,” Akoijam explained.

Criticism of Central Governance
Outside Parliament on Monday, Akoijam criticized the Central government for what he called “highly irresponsible governance.” He accused the Centre of “attempting to hide behind an incompetent government in Imphal” and failing to address the crisis effectively. “Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister are responsible for this situation. This fact must not be obscured by the recent drama of resignation,” he told newswires.

Akoijam emphasized the need for a responsible government in Manipur to end the state’s prolonged period of instability. “The people of the State deserve a responsible government that can handle the crisis and not allow this statelessness to continue indefinitely,” he said.

What Lies Ahead?
As Manipur navigates this political transition, the focus remains on whether the Centre will take meaningful steps to address the state’s deep-rooted issues or continue its current approach, which Akoijam and others have criticized as inadequate. The resignation of Biren Singh has opened a new chapter in Manipur’s political landscape, but the path to stability and reconciliation remains fraught with challenges.

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