Biren breaks silence on resignation as CM
'PR not ideal for the people'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2025: Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh has broken his silence on his resignation, stating that he was compelled to step down as the situation demanded.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the launch of the 5-day Ipudhou Marjing Expo 2025 at Marjing Polo Tourism Complex, Heingang today, the former Chief Minister continued that the public is well aware of the circumstances that led to the imposition of President's Rule (PR) in Manipur.

The expo is being organised by the Centre for Research on Environmental Development (CRED) and the North East Women Entrepreneurs Association (NEWEA), Manipur Chapter.

Reiterating that he was forced to resign due to the prevailing situation, he expressed concern that people are suffering under President's Rule.

Voicing his desire for the restoration of the elected State Government to work closely with the people, he advised the public to be mindful of their words using the analogy that water and oil cannot mix.

On being asked about the extension of President's Rule by another six months, N Biren Singh stated that a popular Government is needed to fulfil the people's aspirations.

He also stated that he has been advocating a popular Government right from the start, adding that even MLAs are finding it difficult to enter Government offices during President's Rule.

N Biren tendered his resignation on February 9, 2025, following which President's Rule was imposed in the State on February 13.The former Chief Minister, meanwhile addressing the function as chief guest, said that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received widespread support from MLAs and the public for eviction drives aimed at protecting reserved and protected areas in his State.

However, he noted that the same level of support wasn't forthcoming when it came to evicting encroachers in Manipur.

Pointing out that Manipur's geography is dominated by hills, covering about 90 per cent of the land, he mentioned that merely 2 per cent per cent of the valley's land area is used for residential purposes.

The eviction drives in Reserved and Protected Forest areas were among the factors contributing to the crisis in Manipur, he said and justified that these drives are necessary for the wellbeing of future generations.

Emphasising that some sacrifices are necessary to secure the future of Manipur and her people, he stated that the State Government he led tried to resolve chronic issues besetting Manipur.

The Government of India is working to restore peace in Manipur and the State will return to normalcy soon, he added.

He claimed that Manipur's law and order situation showed improvement during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Saying that he may or may not become Chief Minister again, N Biren added that he, however, will continue to work for the well being of the people.

He also said that he will put in maximum efforts to resettle the internally displaced people (IDPs).

Recalling the challenging times, he noted that there was a period when people felt unsafe venturing out at night, and long queues would form at petrol pumps with people waiting for hours just to get 2-3 litres of fuel.

He also said that he launched different schemes such as Go to Hills, Go to Village and Manipur Start-up schemes among others to fulfil the aspiration of the people.

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