Imphal: Day-long political crisis ends in troubled, torn Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh finally decided not to resign as the State’s chief minister. Rumours spread in the State that CM N Biren Singh will likely tender his resignation at 1 pm before Governor Anusuiya Uikey. CM Singh held separate meetings with his cabinet colleagues and MLAs in his official residence in Imphal on June 29 night and June 30 morning.
Supporters gathered outside N Biren Singh’s residence
Many Imas (mothers in Manipuri) and supporters gathered in front of Nupi-Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal near Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s bungalow from 10.30 in the morning. It raised slogans asking the CM not to resign.
Women from various Ima organisations gathered at around 10:30 am in front of the Nupi-Lal memorial complex, hearing that CM Singh might tender his resignation.
Speaking to the media, these women said they were strongly against the resignation and that the present situation in the State could not be fixed or improved by his resignation.
Several civil society group leaders also talked to CM Singh and requested he rethinks his resignation. People came in large numbers and gathered in front of the official residence of the CM. Supporters said restoring peace in Manipur is the priority, and the resignation of the CM is not the solution to the problem.
CM’s convoy was stopped by his supporters
Meanwhile, the meeting with the Governor was rescheduled to 3 pm. At 2.15 pm, CM N Biren Singh exited his official residence. But his supporters stopped his convoy at Nupi-Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal. CM Singh talked with the supporters, and thousands requested him of supporters to continue as the CM of the violence-hit State at this critical time. After 15 minutes of discussions, the CM convoy returned to his official residence. Later senior minister Govinda Day addressed the supporters and said that CM N Biren Singh had withdrawn the decision to resign. Minister Das also said that all ministers and MLAs are with the CM, and they will not allow him to resign. Meanwhile, the CM also tweeted the decision and said, at this crucial juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not resign from the post of Chief Minister.
Earlier in the morning of June 30, reports emerged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was likely to resign in the afternoon amid continuing violence for almost two months. The Governor’s office also confirmed that CM Biren Singh would meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey at 1 pm in the Raj Bhavan with his cabinet colleagues. As per sources, the decision to tender the resignation was taken on June 29 in a crucial meeting held in CM’s official residence in Imphal. It should be mentioned that the development took place two days after Governor Uikey visited New Delhi and separately met President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among others and apprised them about the situation in Manipur and the steps taken to restore peace.
Around 130 people have been killed in the clashes since May 3. Over 45000 people were displaced by the ongoing violence.
Violence continues
The violence continues in the northeastern State. On June 29 at approx 4 pm, troops deployed in the area heard firing from East of village K Munlai. Further, at approx 5.15 pm, an exchange of fire was reported from the direction of Village Bethel, South of National Sports University.
Unprovoked firing by Armed Rioters towards Village Haraothel commenced at 5.30 am. Own troops deployed in the area immediately mobilised to prevent escalation of the situation. While en route to the site, security forces drew effective fire from armed rioters. Troops responded in a calibrated manner to prevent any collateral damage. Swift action by troops resulted in the cessation of firing. Additional columns moved to the area. Unconfirmed reports indicate some casualties, the Army said in a statement. At Least three persons were killed in different shootouts by armed rioters in Manipur.
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