Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has resigned from his position on February 9, 2025, amid escalating ethnic violence in the state. His resignation comes at a crucial juncture, ahead of the state assembly's Budget session, following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

The decision marks a significant political development in Manipur, which has been grappling with persistent unrest for nearly two years.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, resulting in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands.

The conflict, sparked by demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community and longstanding grievances among the tribal groups, led to large-scale destruction, disruption of normal life, and a prolonged breakdown of law and order in the state.

Despite multiple efforts by the central and state governments to restore peace, the situation remained volatile. Frequent incidents of violence, attacks on security forces, and internet shutdowns further exacerbated the crisis.

In December 2024, Singh issued a public apology for his government's inability to bring lasting peace, acknowledging the suffering of the people.

Singh's resignation comes in the wake of growing political pressure. The opposition Congress party had announced plans to introduce a no-confidence motion against his government in the upcoming assembly session.

His meeting with Amit Shah in New Delhi reportedly played a key role in his decision to step down. Sources indicate that the central leadership was keen on a leadership change in Manipur to facilitate a fresh approach to resolving the crisis.

With Singh's resignation, Manipur enters a new phase of political uncertainty. The BJP is expected to announce a new leader soon, while opposition parties are likely to push for further discussions on governance and security in the state. The central government, meanwhile, is expected to play a larger role in restoring normalcy and addressing the demands of the warring communities.

Observers believe that a leadership transition could help in rebuilding trust and initiating fresh peace talks. However, restoring long-term stability in Manipur will require coordinated efforts from both the state and central governments, alongside meaningful engagement with community leaders.