A month after N. Biren Singh stepped down as the Chief Minister of Manipur, the state remains tangled in the dangerous narratives he wove during his tenure. His resignation might have marked the end of his leadership, but the consequences of his governance, decisions, and rhetoric continue to dictate the socio-political climate of Manipur. The deep-seated divisions, unrest, and mistrust that his administration either exacerbated or failed to address are still holding the state hostage. The Government of India (GOI) faces an uphill battle in restoring stability, but no real progress can be achieved without directly confronting the trust deficit that has taken root.

Manipur’s Fractured Reality: A State on Edge

Despite Biren Singh’s departure, Manipur is far from recovering from the turmoil that defined his tenure. Ethnic clashes, unresolved grievances, and political uncertainty continue to plague the region. The wounds inflicted by the Manipur crisis remain fresh, with communities still polarized along ethnic and ideological lines. The fear, anger, and resentment that grew under Biren’s leadership have not simply disappeared with his resignation; rather, they have become entrenched in the political discourse of the state.

The central government, while trying to restore normalcy, finds itself grappling with a state where trust in the administration has been severely eroded. The failure to adequately address the core issues of justice, rehabilitation, and reconciliation has only deepened the cracks. The challenge now is not just about governing Manipur but about rebuilding faith in the system.

The Narratives That Still Hold Manipur Captive

One of the most dangerous aspects of Biren Singh’s tenure was the narrative he crafted to maintain his political stronghold. His administration strategically shaped public perception, often exploiting ethnic fault lines for political gain. His government consistently positioned itself as a protector of one group while marginalizing others, fueling an ‘us vs. them’ mentality that further fractured the social fabric of Manipur.

This narrative was not just rhetoric—it influenced policy decisions, policing methods, and governance strategies that alienated large sections of the population. Even after his exit, the residual impact of these divisive narratives lingers, making it difficult for the state to move forward. The political vacuum left behind has only intensified uncertainty, as different groups continue to vie for influence while clinging to the narratives that Biren propagated.

The Trust Deficit: A Roadblock to Progress

If there is one defining challenge that Manipur faces post-Biren Singh, it is the massive trust deficit between the government and the people. Under his leadership, many communities felt betrayed, unheard, and even targeted. His government’s handling of sensitive ethnic conflicts, law enforcement actions, and its failure to prevent violence left a lasting scar. The central government now faces an uphill battle in restoring credibility, as the people of Manipur remain skeptical about promises of peace and stability.

The lack of a clear and decisive strategy to rebuild trust only worsens the situation. Mere political maneuvering will not be enough—genuine efforts towards dialogue, justice, and inclusivity are required. The longer this trust deficit persists, the harder it will be for Manipur to achieve meaningful reconciliation and long-term stability.

Where Does Manipur Go from Here?

The future of Manipur depends on how effectively the government addresses the lingering crisis. First and foremost, there needs to be an honest reckoning with the policies and decisions that led to the current state of unrest. The central government must ensure that governance in Manipur does not repeat the mistakes of the past, where political convenience took precedence over genuine resolution of grievances.

Efforts must be directed towards healing divisions rather than exploiting them. This means holding perpetrators of violence accountable, ensuring fair representation of all communities in political and administrative processes, and actively engaging with civil society to understand ground realities. The government must also acknowledge the deep emotional and psychological toll the crisis has had on the people and work towards community-led peace-building initiatives.

A Leadership Vacuum That Needs Immediate Attention

One of the most immediate challenges is the leadership vacuum that Biren Singh’s resignation has created. With the political landscape in flux, different factions and power players are maneuvering to fill the void. However, without strong, unbiased leadership that prioritizes peace over politics, Manipur risks falling into a cycle of continued instability.

The next leadership must be willing to break free from the divisive tactics of the past and commit to an inclusive vision for Manipur. The state needs leaders who can rise above political calculations and focus on bridging divides rather than deepening them. The central government must also play a proactive role in ensuring that Manipur’s governance does not descend into further chaos.

The Need for a New Narrative

Manipur is at a critical juncture. Biren Singh’s resignation has not automatically resolved the crisis; if anything, it has left behind a state burdened with fear, mistrust, and uncertainty. For real progress to be made, the dangerous narratives of the past must be dismantled, and a new narrative of unity, justice, and reconciliation must take their place.

The central government, state leaders, and civil society must work together to rebuild Manipur’s social fabric. The focus must shift from political blame games to genuine efforts for healing and peace-building. Only through a concerted, transparent, and empathetic approach can Manipur move beyond the shadows of Biren Singh’s tenure and towards a more stable and hopeful future.