N. Biren Singh

✦ Education

✦ Prior Role

Journalist; professional footballer; MLA (INC then BJP) since 2002

✦ Context & Governance Notes

Biren Singh became Manipur's first BJP CM in 2017 and was re-elected in 2022. His tenure has been severely tested by the ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that erupted in May 2023, leading to the deaths of over 220 people, displacing 50,000+, and burning thousands of houses. The conflict entered its second year with no political resolution in sight, drawing national and international criticism about the government's handling of the crisis.