'Crucial Juncture': Manipur CM N Biren Singh Backtracks Resignation

N Biren Singh had convened a meeting of Cabinet ministers at 8 am in which he announced his decision to quit as CM.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. 

(Photo: PTI)

Amid intense speculation, N Biren Singh clarified on Twitter on Friday, 30 June, that he will not be stepping down as the Chief Minister of Manipur.

"At this critical juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister," Singh said on Twitter.

CM Biren Singh greets supporters outside his official residence in Imphal on Friday, 30 June. 

(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

Earlier, senior minister Govindas Konthoujam said while addressing a group of people that the chief minister has decided not to resign, respecting the sentiments of the people and a large crowd that had blocked his convoy when he was on the way to the Raj Bhawan.

The chief minister's resignation letter was presented to the public by Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba and a few BJP MLAs, and its contents were read out, following which two women volunteers tore it apart as a symbolic act in front of the gathered crowd at around 2:30 pm.

The crowd had gathered in front of the CM's official residence in Imphal and had blocked the convoy in which he was travelling to meet the Governor.

The protesting women emphasised on the need for stability and continuity in leadership, particularly at a time when social and political tensions are high.

Singh's resignation, they argued, could exacerbate the existing unrest and hinder progress towards finding a peaceful resolution to the state's issues.

Sarojini, a protester, said, "Now the Chief Minister and his Cabinet ministers are about to resign but they can’t do this at this juncture. We have chosen them as our leaders; so they can’t resign without our permission."

Singh Had Convened a Cabinet Meeting Earlier 

Singh had convened a meeting of Cabinet ministers at his residence at around 8 am, in which he announced his decision to quit, according to Deccan Herald.

Speculations of his resignation were triggered on Friday, 30 June, after almost two months of his reported failure to stop the violence in the state. Singh had also met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on 25 June.

According to a report published in Manipur daily Sangai Express, Singh received several calls from New Delhi on Thursday, 29 June, in which he was offered the option to put in his papers or the Centre would "take over the administration."

Singh has been facing flak from Opposition parties as well as his own party for the way he has been handling the crisis in the hill state.

The violence has left more than 100 people dead, over 300 people injured, and thousands displaced.