Ever since the shameful video incident in Manipur has created a nationwide uproar, many have demanded that Chief Minister Biren Singh should resign from his post immediately.
Some reiterated that the chief minister should take ‘moral responsibility’, others called him ‘incompetent’. The issue was also discussed in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week. Although BJP leaders including the Prime Minister Narendra ModiCondemned the sexual violence in Manipur, the party did not say whether any action would be taken against the chief minister.
Human rights activist, opposition demands resignation of CM Biren Singh
Irom Sharmila, who continues her hunger strike against the alleged atrocities of the army in Manipur, told NDTV that “I feel shocked and disturbed,” and added that the incident could have been averted if the Center had intervened.
Adding to this, Binalaxmi Nepram, another Manipuri human rights activist, said that the Center and the state should be held accountable and that the “people in charge” should resign.
Opposition parties made a similar demand in Parliament, including Naga People’s Front MP from Outer Manipur R Lorho S Phoze, who is one of the two MPs from the state. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We demand the resignation of the Chief Minister of Manipur and imposition of President’s rule.”
Why is BJP putting pressure on CM Singh to resign?
Despite facing heavy opposition, Biren Singh seems to be getting the support of the ruling party. Reports said that there was no discussion about removing Singh from the post of Chief Minister of Manipur. And the priority for the Center right now is to maintain law and order in the state.
Justifying the BJP’s stand, a veteran political commentator based in Imphal told Rediff, “It is difficult to replace him because if he is replaced, it will create a sense of defeat among the Meiteis, whether right or wrong, and there will be more chaos.”
Meanwhile, Singh has maintained that his government is considering tougher actions, including the death penalty. So far 5 people have been arrested.
(with agency inputs)
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UPDATE: July 22, 2023, 12:38 PM IST