Biren Singh: A Leader’s Journey from Reticence to Eloquence

Singh has shed his reticence, addressing the media daily to promote reconciliation and rebuilding trust among Manipur’s diverse communities, signaling a new chapter in his leadership.

Navin Upadhyay

For months, Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was largely silent on the growing unrest in the state. While violence and ethnic tensions escalated between the Meitei and Kuki communities, Singh appeared more reactive than proactive, offering few solutions. But in a sudden and unexpected turn, the once reticent leader has now found his voice, speaking almost daily about the urgent need for peace and restoring normalcy in the region.

This shift has been largely attributed to the arrival of the newly appointed Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The Centre appeared to have realized that Singh’s passive approach was not yielding results. In a bid to calm tensions and heal the fractured state, the Centre has reportedly tasked Singh with initiating peace talks, reaching out to every community, and making overtures to various ethnic groups to ease their grievances.

#WATCH | #Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended a State Level Workshop on RAMP & UNNATI 2024, where he emphasized the importance of fostering economic growth and industrialization in the state.

Speaking at the workshop, CM Singh highlighted the various initiatives being… pic.twitter.com/UqolBeZe0K

— NORTHEAST TODAY (@NortheastToday) January 16, 2025

Singh’s transformation from what once appeared to be a leader primarily aligned with the Meitei community into a more inclusive figure representing a state of diverse ethnic groups has been striking. Previously known for his reserved demeanor and measured public statements, he is now addressing the media almost daily, emphasizing the urgency of community reconciliation and rebuilding trust. His speeches have taken on a more fervent tone, passionately urging the people of Manipur to lay down arms and embrace dialogue to end the ethnic strife that has gripped the state for months.

Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh addresses state level Gaan-Ngai festival; urges Zeliangrong community to build a better future for the state and its people.@NBirenSingh @manipur_cmo pic.twitter.com/Ap6R4Hsv5C

— DD News Assamese (@ddnews_guwahati) January 12, 2025

“There is no alternative to peace,” Singh said in a recent address. “We are one state, one family, and it’s high time we come together to restore harmony. We need to set aside our differences and focus on the future of our children.”\

This newfound eloquence comes after intense pressure from both the central government and the state’s citizens. Leaders from all communities, including the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga, have been urging Singh to step forward and take charge of the peace process. Singh, recognizing the urgent need for change, has started reaching out to different factions, inviting them for talks and offering assurances of support for their needs.

While Singh’s public statements have emphasized unity, his political opponents and certain community leaders are still skeptical of his intentions. Critics argue that Singh’s delay in addressing the unrest has already caused deep rifts between communities, and many wonder if his newfound voice is driven by political survival rather than genuine concern for peace.
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However, Singh remains committed to his role as the Chief Minister, aware that his actions in the coming weeks will define his legacy. The central government has made it clear that Singh must lead the efforts to quell violence, foster dialogue, and ultimately restore normalcy to a state that has been gripped by unrest for far too long.
In his speeches, Singh has highlighted the importance of restoring economic activity, reopening schools, and ensuring the safety of citizens. “Our people have suffered enough,” he remarked in a recent address. “We must give them hope, and we must show them that we are all in this together.”
Singh’s daily appearances have taken on a more personal tone, often addressing the pain and frustration of Manipur’s people. He has called for unity through compassion, citing examples of families that have lived in harmony for generations, despite their ethnic differences.

As the weeks pass, it remains to be seen whether Biren Singh’s newfound eloquence will translate into real action. Manipur’s future hinges on his ability to bridge the divide and bring all communities together. His voice, once soft and hesitant, is now loud and clear, and the people of Manipur are watching closely to see if the words will be matched by deeds.

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