Manipur: Crisis management plan enforced after Biren Singh's resignation

Biren Singh

Security has been reportedly heightened in Manipur, mostly in valley areas as part of the emergency and crisis management plan hours after N. Biren Singh tendered his resignation as the chief minister on Sunday, following months of dissent and internal bickering. According to sources, cited by News18, senior police officers and security forces have been deployed on the ground, with a primary focus on Valley security.

The precautionary arrangements are in place to avoid any untoward incidents in a region, plagued by months of ethnic strife. According to top police officials, cited by News18, a sufficient number of troops have already been deployed in the state, and there is currently no requirement for additional CAPFs.

Sources have told News18 that the police are monitoring leaders who could incite violence. However, since the resignation is due to political reasons rather than security concerns, the security grid does not anticipate a sudden spike in violence, though protests may take place in the Valley.

“The Valley remains our focus area, as the CM belongs to this region. We are expecting protests, but sufficient forces have already been deployed. These forces are equipped with drones, hand jammers, and other necessary instruments, along with weapons, to handle any potential violence. However, the situation remains unpredictable,” a top-level Manipur Police official told News18.

Biren Singh, BJP North East Coordinator Sambit Patra and a group of MLAs, met Governor Ajay Bhalla on Sunday evening following which Singh resigned. He has been asked to continue as caretaker Chief Minister for now. A Manipur Police official said that since Biren Singh has been appointed as caretaker CM, the situation may evolve once his resignation process is finalised. Several leaders may propose a new candidate for the position, and in this scenario, the police expect a reduced impact on the law and order situation in Manipur, according to News18.