IMPHAL, DEC 2: The Congress Government in Manipur was plunged into a deep crisis this evening as 16 ministers -- 12 of cabinet rank and four of state -- resigned from the ministry headed by Chief Minister Rishang Keishing.The ministers submitted the letters of resignation to the Chief Minister, saying they had lost confidence in his leadership.

The ministers were among 25 MLAs led by assembly speaker W Nipamacha Singh, who had challenged the leadership of Keishing, according to resignation letters distributed during a press conference of Nipamacha Singh here.

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