Post Birenial Rule

Biren Singh should have gone earlier. He’s made Manipur peacemaking tougher for successors

That Biren Singh stepped down almost 21 months after Manipur was engulfed by ethnic violence highlights five key points. First, no political resignation in recent memory has been as overdue. After the turmoil in Manipur began, the responsibility of restoring law and order was largely Singh’s domain. But not only did he fail to impose the writ of the state, his public posturing exacerbated the situation. This led to greater polarisation and avoidable loss of lives and property. 

Second, Singh’s resignation now certainly provides an opening for a resolution of the Manipur crisis. But the delay means it will be far tougher. There is now almost total separation between the state’s Kuki and Meitei communities. Both sides have armed themselves. And a political resolution would mean big compromises. Meiteis won’t accept division of the state, while Kukis will certainly push for greater autonomy. This will require deft negotiations on the part of New Delhi.

Which brings us to the third point – disarming both sides. Kuki and Meitei gangs raided and looted the armoury of security forces in Manipur. Plus, Manipur police was accused of behaving in a partisan manner throughout the strife. Unless stolen guns are recovered and Manipur police reformed, no headway can be made in negotiations. Fourth, the situation in neighbouring Myanmar may have played a part in Singh’s resignation. With the rebel Arakan Army practically taking over Rakhine state in recent months, New Delhi perhaps realised that banking on the Myanmar junta to secure the border, and stop militants and arms from crossing over into Mizoram and Manipur, was no longer a good bet. Thus, Singh had to go before the situation in Manipur became beyond repair. 

Finally, it’s not clear at this point if Singh will be replaced by a new CM or will central rule prevail. But whether it’s Manipur governor or the next CM, either has his task cut out. Addressing the deep distrust between Kukis and Meiteis will take massive effort, involving security forces, civil society groups and political solidarity. Given the level of polarisation, this won’t be easy. But Singh’s exit is at least a start.

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