Forced to resign, popular Govt essential: Ex-CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 06 2025: Former chief minister N Biren Singh, on Wednesday, stressed the need for an elected government in the state, which has been under the President's Rule since February 13, while disclosing that his resignation from the chief ministerial post on February 9, was under compulsion due to the deteriorating situation.

"Everyone is aware about the reason and circumstances behind the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur.

Now there is a need for a popular government, people of the state wanted a popular government in the state.

People are facing hardship in absence of a popular government.

I have been in favour of a popular government since the very beginning," Biren told the media after attending the Ipudhou Marjing Expo at Heingang.

Biren stressed the importance of restoring a popularly elected government in Manipur, stating that the people are suffering under the current President's Rule and are unable to access the government as they once did.

Forced to resign, popular Govt essential: Ex-CM

Biren said the need for a government that is directly connected to the people has become more urgent than ever.

The former chief minister noted that everyone is well aware of the circumstances under which President's Rule was imposed in the state.

He urged the public to form their opinions based on facts, on who did what and under what context.

"The people are clearly suffering under President's Rule.

Today, they no longer have the access to government officials that they had during the tenure of an elected government.

Even MLAs are not free to meet the bureaucrats.

From the beginning, it has been my opinion that rather than President's Rule, we need a government that remains connected to the people," Biren said.

He added that instead of extending the President's Rule, the focus should now be on restoring a popular government that can listen to and address the people's concerns directly.

Regarding his own resignation, Biren remarked that it was a step taken under compulsion, and that the public fully understands the reasons behind it.

On August 5, the Parliament has given its nod to the statutory resolution regarding the extension of President's rule in Manipur for a further period of six months from August 13.Biren said that he considers that an elected government can handle the issues by the administration in association with the people.

An elected government can listen to the people and address their concerns directly, he said, adding that he as the chief minister took many steps against drug peddlers and encroachers, who illegally encroached government and forest lands.

The five-day Ipudhou Marjing Expo 2025 jointly organised by Centre for Research on Environmental Development (CRED) and North East Women Entrepreneurs Association (NE-WEA), Manipur Chapter with the support from Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) kicked off at the Marjing Polo Tourism Complex.

The fair, inaugurated by N Biren as chief guest, was also attended by Ministry of MSME assistant director (Grade I) Manoj Sharma as president and Ipudhou Marjing Khubam Kanba Lup president Naoroibam Jugin as guests of honour.

The fair, showcasing local entrepreneurship and cultural identity through exhibitions, performances, and interactive sessions, was also attended by CRED president Ph Aryabhatta and NEWEA president Kangabam Bijaya as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, N Biren pointed out that the people of Assam are extending full cooperation to their chief minister, ministers, MLAs, and officials in the government's efforts to tackle illegal land encroachments in reserved forest areas.

In contrast, Biren expressed disappointment that the people of Manipur did not offer similar support to their Own government.

Terming it as unfortunate, he contended that, instead of cooperating, some individuals in Manipur criticised him for taking up such initiatives aimed at safeguarding the state and its people.

"Some even portrayed me as someone who had no other duties or responsibilities," he remarked.

Biren noted that the efforts initiated by the Manipur government to identify illegal immigrants and land encroachers have now been adopted by neighbouring states like Assam and Mizoram.

Expressing hope, he said, "One day, people will come to understand the initiatives I took were for the welfare of Manipur, its indigenous communities and their future".

Highlighting the state's developmental challenges, the former chief minister pointed out that despite Manipur's vast potential, only about 2 percent of its total area is actually inhabited, as the remaining land consists of hills, forests, and water bodies.

He reiterated his long-standing appeal to the people not to sell their land to outsiders, keeping in mind the state's limited habitable space.

Biren also clarified that the current situation arose from efforts to evict illegal settlers from reserved forest lands.

Regardless of whether or not he holds office, he pledged to continue his mission.

"Whether I am the chief minister or not, I will carry on this work until my last breath," he declared.

The former chief minister also lauded the expo calling it a commendable initiative that provides a valuable platform for entrepreneurs and artisans of Manipur to showcase their products.

He described the event as a significant step forward in promoting local industries.

He also informed that Manipur has recorded the highest number of registrations in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector among the north-eastern states.

"We are confident that Manipur will continue to develop, and peace between the hill and valley communities will be restored," he added.

The opening day of the expo saw the launch of several products, including honey by Maya Industries, cosmetics by Vegnus Health & Beauty, and textiles themed around the famous Kachai Lemon of Ukhrul.

A technical session titled "Business Summit" was also held as part of the day's programme.

Altogether, 50 stalls displaying variety of indigenous products are being set up at the expo.