Mizoram keeps close watch on Manipur after Biren resigns

way2barak, February 11: Mizoram is keeping a close watch on the situation in Manipur, which is home to a large number of ethnic Mizos living in the hill areas, after the sudden resignation of its chief minister N Biren Singh.

The big question, however, is why did Singh took so long to put in his papers even after so much bloodshed and sufferings of people in his home state.

Adviser to chief minister (political) Lalmuanpuia Punte said Singh’s resignation after meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi indicates that the central govt is going to make concerted efforts to find lasting solution in the strife-torn Manipur. The change of guard at the Imphal Raj Bhavan was a visible cue, Punte said.

Former chief minister and Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga who had sparred with his counterpart during the height of Manipur ethnic conflict refused to comment on the resignation of Singh. When asked to make a comment, Zoramthanga said, “No comment. As we used to say, it is not proper to kick a dead dog.”

Opposition leader in the Mizoram state legislative assembly and leader of the MNF legislature party Lalchhandama Ralte said the Centre’s move was predictable when former Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla was appointed as Manipur governor. Ralte said the BJP central leadership is already eyeing for the Manipur state assembly election due in early 2027 and how to retain power in the upcoming election.

Senior vice-president of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said the central govt may decide for a mid-term poll in Manipur in view of the fluid situation. Chuaungo said it was possible that Singh was being pressurised to submit his resignation.

The former state chief secretary said, “While there are many Meiteis who regard Biren Singh as a hero, he also has a plethora of detractors. It is hardly predictable what the central govt will do. It may impose President’s rule and prepare groundwork for mid-term election.”