Lok Sabha approves imposition of President's Rule in Manipur.

Lok Sabha Confirms President’s Rule in Manipur Amid Criticism of Centre

In a late-night session on Thursday, the Lok Sabha adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. While members across party lines supported the decision, they also criticized the Centre for its handling of the ongoing crisis in the state.

Responding to the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the government's actions, asserting that all possible measures had been taken to restore normalcy in the violence-hit Northeastern state. He stated that Manipur had not witnessed any incidents of violence in the past four months and that discussions were ongoing with both the Meitei and Kuki communities to find a peaceful resolution.

"By and large, the situation is peaceful. However, as long as people remain in relief camps, I would not consider the situation fully satisfactory. The government is making every effort to restore peace in Manipur," Shah said.

He further attributed the origins of the ethnic violence to a directive issued by the Manipur High Court. Shah emphasized that the Centre had acted swiftly, deploying central forces by air on the same day the order was issued.

The imposition of President’s Rule underscores the gravity of the crisis, with political leaders and civil society groups closely watching the government’s next steps in ensuring long-term stability in the state.

Lok Sabha Adopts Resolution Confirming President’s Rule in Manipur Amid Calls for Peace

The Lok Sabha on Thursday adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, with members across party lines supporting the move while criticizing the Centre for its handling of the crisis.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, responding to the debate, stated that the violence, which began in May 2023, had claimed 260 lives, with 80% of casualties occurring within the first month. He dismissed allegations that unrest erupted only under BJP rule, highlighting past ethnic conflicts in the state. Shah cited clashes between the Naga and Kuki communities in the 1990s, which lasted five years and claimed 750 lives, as well as the 1997-98 Kuki-Paite violence that left 352 dead. He also referenced the Meitei-Pangal clashes of the 1990s, in which over 100 people were killed, emphasizing that no prime minister or home minister at the time visited Manipur.

He reiterated that the government has taken all possible steps to restore peace, with no major incidents of violence in the last four months. Talks with both the Meitei and Kuki communities are ongoing, and efforts continue to bring them to the negotiating table.

Opposition leaders, while supporting the resolution, stressed the need for urgent restoration of peace and democratic governance. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor urged an end to insurgency and the promotion of inclusivity. TMC’s Sayani Ghosh and DMK’s K Kanimozhi called for an immediate return to normalcy. NCP (SCP) leader Supriya Sule warned that President’s Rule was not ideal for democracy and urged stronger intervention by the Home Minister.

The resolution, titled ‘Consideration on the Proclamation issued by the President on February 13, 2025, under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur,’ was passed by voice vote. The violence was initially triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting a high court order, with the central government making continuous efforts to mediate between the conflicting communities.