Chief minister of Manipur Biren Singh stepped down albeit reluctantly almost 21 months after the state was wracked by ethnic violence, a dance macabre ; no political resolution in recent memory has been as overdue. After the mayhem in Manipur commenced , the responsibility of restoring law and order was largely Singh's domain. Not only did he fail to rein in the situation, his public posturing exacerbated the crisis ; this led to greater polarisation and avoidable loss of lives and property. The delay in resignation means it would be very difficult to remedy the circumstances , there is almost total cleavage between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Both sides have armed themselves to their teeth by looting the armoury of security forces and there is a clear and present danger of things going further downhill, a political solution seems to be the only way out but that would mean big compromises and loss of face for the BJP. The Manipur police on instructions of Singh have behaved in an extremely partisan manner throughout the strife. The situation in Manipur is almost beyond salvage, it is not clear whether BJP would prop up another reluctant CM or would President's rule be enforced. Addressing the deep distrust between the Kukis and Meiteis will require tremendous effort involving security forces, civil society and politicians. Singh's stepping down is at least a start. Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi still remains missing in action.
