Why Was President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur?
Manipur, a northeastern state in India, has been in upheaval since 2023. The recent installation of President’s Rule in Manipur is a watershed moment in the state’s political scene.
But what prompted this dramatic step? Let us go down the elements that led to this decision.
Ethnic Conflict: The Root of the Crisis
Since 2023, Manipur has been a battleground for ethnic conflict, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki groups.
The confrontation began after a judge considered granting the Meiteis Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which includes economic advantages and job quotas.
This decision provoked great outrage among the Kukis, who feared losing their current rights.
Over 250 individuals have died as a result of the rising violence.
Thousands of people have been uprooted, with their homes and livelihoods devastated.
The upheaval has severely harmed the state’s economy and social fiber.
This prolonged turmoil had a significant role in the decision to establish President’s Rule in Manipur.
Chief Minister’s Resignation: A Political Earthquake
The problem worsened after Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, resigned on February 9, 2025. Singh, a Meitei leader in the BJP, came under intense scrutiny from both opposition parties and supporters for his inadequate handling of the violence.
His retirement caused a power vacuum, which exacerbated political instability.
His own party members backed away from him, fearing repercussions from the central leadership.
Without strong leadership, Manipur’s governance got paralyzed.
With the administration unable to function properly, President’s Rule in Manipur became unavoidable.
Imposition of President’s Rule: A Last-Resort Measure
After Singh resigned, President Droupadi Murmu announced that Manipur’s governance had crumbled.
According to Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, the President took over the state’s administration, bringing it under federal control.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was selected to manage the state’s affairs.
The state assembly was placed in suspended animation.
Law enforcement was given greater authority to control the violence.
The decision to impose President’s Rule in Manipur was intended to restore order and stability.
Political Instability: The Breaking Point
Even before Singh’s resignation, Manipur’s political landscape was unstable. The ruling BJP-led coalition experienced internal disputes, and important allies began to withdraw their support.
MLAs from coalition parties have openly questioned the government’s handling of the ethnic conflicts.
The opposition called for Singh’s dismissal, accusing him of favoring the Meitei community.
The lack of unanimity on leadership exacerbated the crisis.
With President’s Rule in Manipur, the central government sought to establish a neutral approach to governing in the state.
Federal Government’s Stance: Blaming External Factors
The Indian government has blamed some of Manipur’s violence on an inflow of Myanmar refugees.
Following Myanmar’s military revolution in 2021, hundreds of refugees fled to Manipur.
Many of these refugees come from ethnic groups related to the Kukis, exacerbating local ethnic tensions.
The central administration has hinted that foreign involvement may be stoking the unrest.
Despite this, many political experts believe that internal mismanagement played a larger part in Manipur’s transition to President’s Rule.
What Lies Ahead for Manipur?
With President’s Rule in effect, Manipur’s future is unknown.
Will centralized rule promote peace? The government must ensure that ethnic issues are resolved fairly.
How long will this last? Typically, President’s Rule lasts six months, but it can be extended if the situation continues.
What will happen next? Fresh elections may be held if calm has been restored.
The people of Manipur are hoping for a resolution that will restore peace to their state. Until then, President’s Rule is the only urgent solution to Manipur’s political and ethnic crisis.
