President Rule :Manipur: A New Chapter in the Ethnic Conflict
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| President Rule In Manipur Source@ANI |
Manipur: The Ethnic Conflict
The Indian state of Manipur has been engulfed in an intense ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, leading to significant turmoil, violence, and instability. Over 200 people have lost their lives, and the security situation has remained fragile. After the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025, the Central Government moved swiftly to impose President’s Rule in the state, placing the Manipur Assembly under suspended animation.
With this decision, the state enters a new phase in its struggle for stability, governance, and reconciliation.
What Led to President’s Rule in Manipur?
The crisis in Manipur has been exacerbated by ethnic tensions, governance challenges, and a deteriorating security situation. Below are the major events leading up to the imposition of President’s Rule:
1. Escalating Ethnic Conflict
Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed unprecedented ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
The Meitei community, which constitutes around 53% of the state’s population, primarily resides in the Imphal Valley.
The Kuki-Zo tribes, which make up about 16%, inhabit the hills and have long felt marginalized by the dominant Meitei.
The violence has resulted in mass displacements, destruction of homes, businesses, and severe social unrest.
2. Political Instability and the Fall of the BJP Government
The BJP-led Manipur government, under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, collapsed on February 9, 2025, when Singh resigned after returning from New Delhi following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J.P. Nadda.
His resignation came amidst growing opposition and internal dissent within the BJP and its allies.
The Congress party had planned to move a no-confidence motion against the government in the state assembly session scheduled for February 10.
The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, then declared the January order summoning the Assembly null and void, paving the way for President’s Rule.
3. The Role of the Governor’s Report
Hours after Parliament adjourned to reconvene on March 10, President Droupadi Murmu acted on a report from the Governor. The report detailed:
The inability of the state government to maintain law and order.
The failure of administrative mechanisms in handling the ethnic crisis.
The necessity for central intervention to restore stability.
President’s Rule: Constitutional Provisions and Implications
What is President’s Rule?
Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, President’s Rule is imposed when the state government is unable to function in accordance with the Constitution.
The President assumes all executive and legislative powers of the state.
The state assembly is suspended, and governance is conducted directly by the Governor and the Union Government.
Official Proclamation
A notification issued by the Union Home Ministry stated that President Murmu had received the Governor’s report and found that the state administration was not functioning as per constitutional provisions. As per the proclamation:
The President assumes control over all government functions and powers of the Manipur government.
Legislative powers will be exercised by Parliament.
The Governor will continue to oversee state administration under the direct guidance of the Centre.
Political Reactions and Future Prospects
BJP’s Perspective
Despite having a majority in the Manipur Assembly (37 out of 60 MLAs), the BJP failed to arrive at a consensus candidate to replace Biren Singh. Sambit Patra, the BJP’s Northeast coordinator, held multiple discussions in Imphal, but an agreement could not be reached.
Some BJP MLAs suggested that President’s Rule was necessary to conduct a crackdown on armed groups operating in both the hills and the valley.
The imposition of central rule could also pave the way for stronger law enforcement actions to restore order.
Congress and Opposition’s Response
The Manipur Congress had long criticized the BJP-led state government for its failure to maintain peace.
Congress leader K. Meghachandra Singh accused the BJP of allowing ethnic tensions to escalate beyond control.
The opposition argued that President’s Rule was the only viable option to restore stability and constitutional governance.
Kuki-Zo Community’s Reaction
The Kuki-Zo tribes, who have been at odds with the Meitei-dominated government, welcomed the imposition of President’s Rule.
Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), stated that President’s Rule brings a “ray of hope” for the Kuki-Zo.
The community believes that direct central administration will create a conducive environment for a political dialogue and eventually a permanent resolution.
Challenges Ahead for Manipur
The imposition of President’s Rule is a temporary measure, but the real challenge lies in addressing the deep-rooted ethnic divisions and restoring lasting peace. Key areas that require urgent attention include:
1. Security and Law Enforcement
Crackdown on armed groups operating in both valleys and hills.
Deployment of additional paramilitary forces.
Strengthening of intelligence networks to prevent further violence.
2. Political Reconciliation
Initiating dialogues between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Finding a political consensus on governance and representation.
3. Rehabilitation of Displaced Families
Providing relief, compensation, and resettlement plans.
Rebuilding destroyed homes and public infrastructure.
4. Restoring Democratic Governance
Fresh Assembly elections might be necessary before 2027 if the situation does not improve.
Establishing a neutral and inclusive government.
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur marks a critical turning point in the state’s ongoing crisis. While the BJP government’s collapse reflects deep-seated governance issues, the intervention by the Centre could bring much-needed stability. However, the success of this measure depends on effective security actions, political negotiations, and long-term reconciliation efforts.
The road ahead is challenging, but with proactive governance and inclusive policies, Manipur can work towards a peaceful and prosperous future.