The Central Government on Thursday imposed President's Rule in the violence-hit state of Manipur, just four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post. This drastic decision follows a period of severe ethnic conflict in the state that has claimed the lives of over 250 people and displaced thousands more.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that President Droupadi Murmu had declared the situation in Manipur as one where "the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution."
The notification further stated that, under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India is assuming all functions of the state government and all powers vested in or exercisable by the state governor.
In addition to the imposition of President's Rule, the state assembly has been put under suspended animation, leaving the governance of Manipur in a state of uncertainty.
Biren Singh’s Resignation
N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, submitting his letter to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in the state capital, Imphal. His resignation came a day before the state assembly was to convene for its budget session, which was subsequently canceled.
In his resignation letter, Singh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Manipur, thanking the central government for its timely interventions, developmental efforts, and safeguarding of the state’s interests.
“It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far. I am extremely grateful to the central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work, and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipur,” Singh wrote.
Singh's resignation followed a Supreme Court directive for a report from a central forensics lab regarding leaked audio tapes that allegedly feature Singh. In these tapes, Singh is purportedly heard discussing his role in instigating the ethnic violence that has torn the state apart.
The Supreme Court’s involvement added a layer of political pressure, as opposition parties accused Singh of being directly responsible for escalating tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Political Turmoil in the Aftermath
Since Singh’s resignation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers in Manipur have been in disarray, attempting to find a successor. Several meetings were held this week with the party’s northeast coordinator, Sambit Patra, but no consensus was reached on selecting the next Chief Minister.
The ethnic violence, which began with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has spread throughout the entire state, causing widespread devastation. Opposition parties and many from the Kuki community have placed the blame for the violence squarely on Singh’s shoulders, accusing him of fanning the flames of conflict.
Opposition figures also criticized the BJP for removing Singh "belatedly," suggesting that his resignation was motivated by the desire to prevent further political fallout from both the escalating violence and the Supreme Court's inquiry.
Critics argue that this move was a desperate attempt to preserve the BJP-led government in the state, which has been rocked by ongoing unrest.
As President's Rule takes effect, questions remain about the future of governance in Manipur and whether the central government will be able to stabilize the situation, bring justice to the affected communities, and restore peace to the region.
Follow us
