Manipur under President’s rule, Assembly suspended.
Manipur has been placed under President’s Rule following prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023. The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people, with many others injured or displaced. The imposition of President’s Rule means the state assembly is under suspended animation, and administrative control has shifted to the central government. Authorities are working to restore peace and stability, while efforts to address the underlying causes of the conflict continue.
Four days after N Biren Singh stepped down as Chief Minister, the Centre announced on Thursday that President’s Rule had been imposed in Manipur, placing the state assembly under suspended animation. This decision marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.
The official announcement came from President Droupadi Murmu following a report submitted by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The timing of the decision coincided with the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament, which are scheduled to reconvene on March 10 for the remainder of the Budget session.
The imposition of President’s Rule transfers administrative control of the state to the central government. This move is seen as a necessary step to restore stability in Manipur, which has witnessed persistent unrest due to clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has claimed more than 200 lives, displaced thousands, and left a deep social and economic impact on the state.
Ahead of the announcement, security agencies devised a comprehensive plan to prevent any potential disturbances. State police and intelligence units were instructed to monitor the movements of certain individuals closely. The authorities have been particularly cautious, given the history of sudden escalations in the ongoing ethnic conflict.
The political crisis in Manipur reached a tipping point when Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 9. His resignation followed a trip to New Delhi, where he held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda. Singh’s departure marked the collapse of the BJP-led government, which had struggled to manage the escalating violence.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur has its roots in longstanding tensions between the Meitei community, predominantly inhabiting the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo communities, which reside mainly in the surrounding hill areas. The violence that erupted in May 2023 brought these tensions to the forefront, with incidents of arson, clashes, and loss of lives becoming alarmingly frequent.
The Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule reflects its assessment that the state machinery needs direct intervention to address the crisis effectively. While the immediate priority remains the restoration of law and order, the government is also expected to initiate dialogue with community leaders to foster peace and reconciliation.
“The situation in Manipur demands a robust and impartial administrative approach,” a senior official stated. “We aim to ensure that normalcy returns and that citizens regain their confidence in the state’s ability to maintain peace.”
Local leaders from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some view it as a necessary step toward peace, others fear that the absence of an elected government might prolong the crisis.
The imposition of President’s Rule also raises questions about the political roadmap for Manipur. With the assembly suspended, the state’s legislative process will remain in limbo until further notice. Political analysts suggest that the Centre might use this period to assess the ground situation and prepare for potential early elections.
“President’s Rule is not a long-term solution,” said a political observer familiar with the situation. “It’s a stopgap measure to stabilize the situation. The real challenge lies in addressing the underlying ethnic tensions and ensuring inclusive governance.”
The violence that has gripped Manipur since May 2023 has highlighted the deep-rooted ethnic divisions within the state. The Meitei community, which constitutes a majority in the valley, has long sought Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a demand that has been met with resistance from the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups. The fear of demographic and political marginalization has fueled resentment and clashes, turning the issue into a flashpoint for violence.
With President’s Rule now in place, the Centre has an opportunity to implement more stringent security measures while also pushing for dialogue. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring justice for victims from all communities.
As Manipur braces for the next phase of its political and social journey, the imposition of President’s Rule underscores the gravity of the situation. The state’s path to recovery will require not just administrative intervention but also genuine efforts to bridge the divides that have fueled the conflict. Only time will tell whether this decision will pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future in the troubled state.