Manipur Raj Bhavan. Photo: rajbhavanmanipur.nic.in
Four days after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resignedPresident’s Rule was imposed in the northeastern State that has been affected by ethnic violence for the past two years.
President droupadi murmu issued a proclamation under Article 356 of the Constitution on Thursday (February 13, 2025) after receiving a report from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The order said she was satisfied that a situation had arisen that the “government of that State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India.”
A statement by the Manipur government said the “Manipur Legislative Assembly will be under suspended animation.” The Assembly has not been dissolved, said a government official. The State Assembly’s tenure is till 2027. The administrative and other security-related decisions will now be taken by Governor Bhalla.
President Murmu issued the proclamation on Thursday (February 13, 2025), an hour after both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned till March 10, 2025 at the conclusion of the first half of the budget session.
Article 356 (3) of the Constitution states that the proclamation shall be laid before each House of Parliament and shall cease to operate at the expiration of two months unless approved by resolutions of both the Houses of Parliament.
A political crisis had emerged in the State since Mr. Singh stepped down on February 9 after a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah. The State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership failed to reach a consensus on an alternative leadership to replace Mr. Singh.
Security was strengthened in the State amid apprehension of any potential law and order situation by vested groups.
Over 250 killed
More than 250 people have been killed and around 60,000 people displaced in the ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the Meitei people in the State that erupted on May 3, 2023.
The last time President’s Rule was imposed in the State, it remained in force for 277 days — from June 2, 2001 to March 6, 2002.
Home Minister clearly failed to manage Manipur: Cong.
The Congress said it had been demanding the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur for the past 20 months, but the Union government did so only after the fabric of the State’s society was allowed to be “severely damaged”.
“This has come after what the Supreme Court called ‘the absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery in the State’ which saw the killing of over 300 people and displacement of over 60,000 men, women, and children since May 3, 2023. This has come after the fabric of Manipur’s society has been allowed to be severely damaged, if not totally destroyed,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, adding that the “Union Home Minister [Amit Shah] has clearly failed to manage Manipur.”
Ginza Vualzong of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo body, said President’s Rule (PR) was preferable than a change of Chief Minister. “With the PR, I believe the groundwork to end violence will begin, which will pave the way for a conducive environment for political dialogue.”
The Manipur CPI(M) unit said President’s Rule should be immediately revoked and fresh elections be held at the earliest.
CPI(M) State committee secretary Ksh Shanta told reporters that the party, along with other like-minded parties, would stand for the State’s territorial integrity during President Rule.
“The CPI(M) and all aligned parties will stand for Manipur’s territorial integrity during President’s Rule and any attempt to break the State will not be allowed,” Mr. Shanta said.
He said that the selfish quest for power among legislators had brought the State to such a situation.
‘Illegal migration up’
Minutes before the order was issued, former Chief Minister and BJP leader N. Biren Singh posted a message on X stating that illegal immigration was on the rise in the State.
“Our land and identity are under threat. With a small population and limited resources, we stand vulnerable. I monitored and detected illegal immigration tirelessly until May 2, 2023. But after the tragic events of 3rd May, 2023, our State machinery has struggled to respond effectively. An unguarded 398- km border with Myanmar and the Free Movement Regime (FMR) were rapidly shifting Manipur’s demographic balance. This is not speculation, it is happening before our eyes. Since our government took charge in March 2017, the challenge has only intensified. After the May 3, 2023 incident, the situation has become even more critical,” Mr. Singh said.
He urged all authorities concerned to take serious note and intensify efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants from Manipur, adding that he would continue this fight with unwavering commitment.
(With PTI inputs)
Published – February 13, 2025 07:58 pm IST
