President’s Rule Failed to Maintain Peace in Manipur: Congress.
Imphal: Amid ongoing unrest and mounting public anger, Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra lashed out at the Centre, claiming that the President’s Rule imposed in the state has “failed” to restore peace and normalcy. The statement comes in the wake of widespread protests, including a six-kilometre human chain formed by students and women’s groups, against what many see as symbolic erasure of the state’s identity.
The Centre had imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, after Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered his resignation, following months of ethnic violence and administrative breakdown. The move came after the state witnessed intense clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023 and have since claimed more than 260 lives, while displacing thousands from their homes.
President’s Rule entails direct governance by the Centre, with the state assembly placed under suspended animation, even though its tenure continues until 2027. In theory, such a measure is intended to stabilize volatile situations, but the Congress and many civil society groups argue that the situation has worsened.
“The double-engine government has failed Manipur for more than two years. He further demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah take responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation, and called for the resignation of the Home Minister and the recall of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who assumed office in January 2025.
Anger Over State Identity Erasure
Protests intensified after a government vehicle belonging to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) was stopped by security personnel on May 20 at Gwaltabi check post, approximately 25 km from Imphal. The bus was ferrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district, a symbolically significant event in the region.
The incident has since sparked a wave of demonstrations across the valley, with protesters interpreting the act as an insult to the state’s identity and dignity.
Meghachandra questioned. “Is this how you respect the state while claiming to protect its unity and integrity?”
As tensions escalated, on Monday, thousands formed a human chain stretching from Imphal International Airport to Keisampat, a key location just a few hundred metres from the Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence. The massive turnout signalled growing dissatisfaction with the Centre’s handling of the crisis.
Amid fears of direct confrontation, the Governor was flown from the airport to Kangla Fort, a symbolic and historical site about 300 metres from the Raj Bhavan, via an Army helicopter—a rare move that underscored the volatile ground situation.
Ethnic Violence Since May 2023
The core of the ongoing unrest in Manipur stems from ethnic conflict between the majority Meitei community, who primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribes, who inhabit the surrounding hill districts. The flashpoint began in May 2023, after a Manipur High Court order suggested considering Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meiteis—a move opposed by the Kuki-Zo community who feared it would erode their land rights and protections.
This led to violent clashes, arson, and mass displacements. Villages were torched, churches and temples vandalized, and over 70,000 people forced to flee their homes. Relief camps were set up, but reports of poor living conditions, lack of food, and inadequate security remain rampant.
Despite several visits by Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, and the announcement of relief measures, peace remains elusive. Internet shutdowns, curfews, and the deployment of central forces have not deterred the violence or restored community trust. The security apparatus has been accused of bias, further deepening the divide.
Multiple rounds of dialogue initiated by civil society organizations have failed to bring about lasting peace.
Calls for Accountability
In light of this prolonged crisis, Congress has renewed its demand for a parliamentary intervention. Meghachandra reiterated that a special session must be convened to address the Manipur issue comprehensively. We demand action, not just statements,” he said.
His alleged involvement or complicity in the May 20 bus incident has only added fuel to the fire.
Meanwhile, human rights groups and academics have also criticized the Centre’s approach, suggesting that without a political and community-led solution, peace will remain a distant dream.
As the state continues to burn silently while the rest of the country moves on, Manipur’s citizens, once again, find themselves demanding not just attention—but answers.