Rift in Manipur Government: Minister Questions CM Biren Singh's Leadership

The political turmoil in Manipur has deepened as Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a minister in the state government, publicly criticised Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for failing to restore peace in the violence-hit state. Highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation, Yumnam Singh questioned the CM’s refusal to step down, stating, “It has been 18 months, and there is no peace. If he can't bring peace, why isn’t he resigning?”

Yumnam Singh skipped a recent meeting of MLAs called by Biren Singh, criticising its intent and structure. According to him, the meeting should have included administrative heads like the Director General of Police (DG) and the Chief Secretary, who are directly responsible for law and order. “This is the administration's job, not the MLAs',” he remarked.

The unrest in Manipur has seen several ministers and MLAs targeted, with protesters vandalising and setting ablaze their houses. Yumnam Singh, reflecting on the volatile emotions of the public, shared, “When protesters came to my house, I told them I too am looking for justice. They understood.”

While additional forces have been deployed in the state, the minister emphasised the need for dialogue and empathy to address the crisis. He believes that understanding and addressing the public’s grievances are key to restoring peace.

This internal criticism signals a growing rift within the Manipur government, adding to the challenges faced by the embattled Chief Minister.