On February 9, 2025, N. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, tendered his resignation amid an unrelenting political and ethnic crisis that had consumed the northeastern Indian state. His tenure, marked by severe ethnic clashes and political instability, ended with the government struggling to restore peace in a deeply fractured society.

The turmoil in Manipur, which began as an economic and political conflict, soon transformed into one of India’s most persistent ethnic crises. Over the course of nearly two years, the state witnessed extreme violence, over 250 deaths, and the displacement of at least 60,000 people, leaving a trail of devastation that overwhelmed Singh’s administration.

Roots of the Conflict: A Tense Ethnic Divide

The seeds of the crisis in Manipur were sown over decades, but it erupted violently in May 2023, when long-standing tensions between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes spiraled out of control. The immediate trigger was the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a classification that would have given them economic benefits and job quotas. The Kuki-Zo tribes, who already held ST status, feared that granting similar privileges to the Meiteis would marginalize their community further and make it harder for them to compete for resources.

This sparked protests, which soon escalated into full-fledged violence. Both sides engaged in deadly clashes, with armed groups forming along ethnic lines. Villages were burned, homes destroyed, and thousands of people fled their homes as the security situation deteriorated. The violence was marked by severe human rights violations, with reports of sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, and destruction of religious institutions.

The Role of Myanmar’s Civil War

While the conflict in Manipur had deep-rooted ethnic and economic causes, external factors also played a major role in exacerbating the situation. Manipur shares a porous border with Myanmar, a country embroiled in civil war since the 2021 military coup. The conflict in Myanmar forced many displaced people, including fighters from ethnic insurgent groups, to seek refuge in Manipur.

Reports emerged that some of these fighters brought sophisticated weaponry into Manipur, fueling the already volatile situation. Smuggling routes became more active, and powerful arms made their way into the hands of ethnic militias in the state, making the conflict deadlier. Security forces struggled to control this influx, and as a result, the crisis deepened further.

Biren Singh’s Struggle to Maintain Order

As violence escalated, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh came under intense criticism for his handling of the crisis. His administration was accused of bias towards the Meitei community, a claim that further alienated the Kuki-Zo tribes. Several incidents suggested that the state government did not act decisively to protect all communities equally, leading to increased tensions.

One of the most controversial aspects of Singh’s tenure was the rise of unregulated vigilante groups, particularly the Arambai Tenggol, a militant group reportedly aligned with the Meiteis. These groups took it upon themselves to “defend” their communities, often engaging in violent attacks against the Kukis and challenging the authority of state forces. As the situation worsened, the state’s inability to disarm these groups or reign in escalating violence led to further instability.

Breakdown of Law and Order

By mid-2024, Manipur had reached a near civil war-like situation. Security forces, including paramilitary units and the Indian Army, were deployed to contain the violence, but their efforts yielded limited success. The government’s repeated internet shutdowns, curfews, and restrictions did little to restore peace. Meanwhile, hundreds of displaced families languished in relief camps, where humanitarian aid was insufficient, and ethnic animosity continued to fester.

Despite multiple interventions from the Indian central government, including visits by Home Minister Amit Shah, the conflict remained unresolved. Singh attempted various measures to negotiate peace, but trust in his leadership eroded rapidly.

Biren Singh’s Resignation: A Political Fallout

Facing mounting pressure, Biren Singh finally resigned in February 2025. His departure was seen as a last-ditch effort to salvage the state’s governance, but many analysts viewed it as too little, too late. His resignation followed calls from various quarters, including opposition leaders, human rights activists, and even factions within his own party, demanding accountability for the state’s failure to protect its citizens.

Singh’s resignation did not immediately resolve the crisis. However, it paved the way for new leadership, tasked with restoring stability and rebuilding trust among the communities. The next phase of governance in Manipur remains uncertain, with ethnic wounds still fresh and political challenges unresolved.

A Long Road to Peace

The crisis in Manipur underscores the fragility of ethnic relations in northeast India, where deep-seated historical grievances continue to drive conflict. The state now faces a long and difficult process of reconciliation, requiring not just political leadership but also grassroots peace-building efforts.

The resignation of Biren Singh may mark the end of one chapter in Manipur’s history, but the journey towards peace and stability is far from over. The challenge ahead will be to heal the divisions, ensure justice for victims, and implement lasting solutions that prevent such violence from recurring in the future.

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