Imphal, Feb 9 (NationPress) The BJP President of the Manipur unit, Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, remarked on Sunday that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who has tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has significantly contributed to the peace and development of Manipur since taking office in 2017.

During a media interaction, Sharda Devi emphasized that Biren Singh's resignation was motivated by a desire to benefit the citizens of the state.

“He (Singh) previously urged the Central government to safeguard the integrity of Manipur and ensure the safety of its residents. His resignation reflects his commitment to the state's future. There are no rifts among the party's leaders and MLAs,” she stated.

The Chief Minister has shown a genuine desire for peace in the state and has called upon the Centre to guarantee the safety of its populace.

In response to Biren Singh's resignation, former Lok Sabha member and Naga People's Front (NPF) leader Lorho S. Pfoze noted that the Chief Minister has led the government of Manipur for nearly seven years.

“I believe he has been quite effective, but unfortunately, circumstances shifted dramatically following May 3, 2023. The outbreak of tragic ethnic violence has significantly altered the landscape,” Pfoze commented shortly after Biren Singh's resignation.

The NPF leader indicated that while he had the backing of the majority Meitei community, the minority Kuki group felt marginalized and alleged that he bore partial responsibility for the ongoing conflict.

“The erosion of public trust has caused considerable disruption in Manipur's political landscape. Development has stagnated, and the state requires improved governance. Manipur has been in this challenging situation for an extended period,” the Naga leader remarked.

The NPF, with five MLAs, has been a supporter of the BJP-led government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

The National People's Party (NPP), led by Conrad K. Sangma, withdrew support from the BJP-led government in Manipur on November 17 of the previous year, asserting that the government led by CM Biren Singh had “utterly failed to address the crisis and restore normalcy” in the violence-impacted region.

The NPP had seven MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Assembly.

Despite the NPP's withdrawal, the Chief Minister's government remained stable, as the BJP commands support from 37 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, in addition to the backing of five NPF MLAs and three Independents.

The NPP legislator N. Kayisii, who also served as the party’s Manipur unit President, passed away on January 18 after a prolonged illness, reducing the party's presence in the Assembly to six members.