Manipur: Central Command Need Weighed in Biren Singh Exit

Experts Favoured Central Command of Forces to Bring Peace in Manipur

By Manish Anand

New Delhi, February 10: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation may pave way for establishing a central command of all security forces. Singh is learnt to have been a stumbling block in ensuring a central command of all security forces.

“The Centre finally came to the view that Singh was a roadblock in achieving peace in Manipur. The security experts have asserted that the unhindered central command of the forces cannot be further delayed in Manipur,” sources said.

Newly appointed Governor of Manipur Ajay Bhalla is widely believed to have ears of Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah. His appointment as Manipur Governor has been seen a tactical move by the Centre.

Manipur: ‘Charter Planes’ Finished N. Biren Singh Brinkmanship

“Bhalla has gathered the first-hand information in Manipur. He has the clarity of the purpose on the roadmap ahead in Manipur,” sources said.

Singh had been accused to be partisan in the Manipur violence. The Meitei-Kuki violence had been unabated for months.

“The clarity of the purpose is now evident. Resignation of Manipur CM is the first step. Second step will be to make the central command of the security forces operational. The Indian Army enjoys trust of both the Meitei and the Kuki community leaders,” sources said.

Reports said that more than 250 people have been killed in the ethnic violence in Manipur. Thousands of the people from both the tribe have been displaced.

“The unabated Manipur violence is gaining sharp international attention. Besides, the alleged influx of the refugees from Myanmar has added an international dimension to the crisis,” added the sources.

N Biren Singh Resigns as Manipur CM Amid Reconciliation Plan

Security experts had for long been warning that the Manipur CM needed to leave office. “Singh’s exit from the office was the only starting peace for the reconciliation efforts. An alternative political leadership who can be trusted by both the tribe is the bare minimum requirement,” said the sources.

The government is determined that the situation in Manipur will not be allowed to worsen to a stage where the territorial integrity of the state could be questioned, added the sources.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership will take a call on the successor of Singh, Governor is likely to press ahead at the head of the central command for the security forces. The BJP also has to brace up for the Manipur Assembly elections in 2027.

Join the WhatsApp Channel of The Raisina Hills

Follow on Google News https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMNK2vwsw39HWAw?hl=en-IN&gl=IN&ceid=IN%3Aen

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Save

About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

See author's posts