CM Biren Singh Meets Governor Over Security Situation As Another Deadly Flare-Up Grips Manipur

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh met Governor L Acharya on Saturday evening to apprise him of the fresh incidents of violence in the state that has killed seven people and left more than 15 injured over the past five days. According to reports, tensions arose in Thoubal as locals were reported to stop cars of Central Force.

Singh’s meeting with the Governor comes amidst speculations over his resignation. However, top BJP sources told CNN-News18 there’s “no question” of him resigning.

‘Went to Apprise The Governor About The Situation’: N Biren Singh

“Went to apprise the situation at hand with the Governor since he just returned to Imphal. Requested for more power to be given to the state government to deal with foreign elements, causing unrest in the region. The state government wants to take a more aggressive stand against such elements,” the Manipur CM told CNN-News18.

As many as five people were killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Saturday, prompting the district magistrate to issue prohibitory orders in the area. It comes after fresh violence erupted in the Jirtheibam district, where a gun battle erupted between two armed groups after an elderly man was shot dead while asleep. The armed militants engaged in a heavy exchange of fire in the Nunchapi area, leaving three suspected Kuki militants dead and an armed Meitei man.

Manipur also witnessed rocket attacks on Friday that killed a man staying on the premises of late former chief minister Mairenbam Koireng and destroyed two structures in the Bishnupur district.

‘BJP Continues To Back Biren Singh’: Sources

Amid speculations of his resignation over the law and order situation in the state, top BJP sources told CNN-News18 that the party “continues to back N Biren Singh and that there is no question of him resigning”. Manipur BJP MLAs, who held a meeting with Singh earlier in the day, also urged him “not to take any step out of emotion”.

Singh rushed to meet Acharya after an emergency meeting of ruling coalition MLAs and ministers at the CM secretariat to discuss the prevailing law and order situation in the state, official sources said.