Union minister’s house torched, but Biren still in saddle

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Now the house of union minister of state for external affairs and education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh was torched and burnt within 24 hours aftwr he initiated a peace meeting with different communities. A day before, quarters of BJP minister Nemcha Kepgin was burnt down once again exposing chief minister N Biren Singh’s inability to protect his own party colleagues. According to Manipur BJP sources, N Biren Singh is completely isolated with the party and is seen as the man responsible but strangely Centre is silent. “He should be immediately removed or else there will not be any peace in Manipur,” said a senior BJP minister on condition of anonymity. Home minister Amit Shah’s visit has not brought about any change in the ground situation, claimed local residents and BJP leaders. “With no action from Centre and Biren Singh continuing to dictate terms, situation has worsened,” another minister mentioned. BJP leaders claimed that majority of the ministers and legislators and MPs had petitioned the Centre urging President’s rule in the state.