-Manipur’s President’s Rule Extended: A Fragile Path to Stability in a Divided State
A resolution to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for an additional six months, beginning on August 13, 2025, was approved by the Lok Sabha on July 30, 2025, indicating continued efforts to bring stability to a state plagued by ethnic violence. Tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities still exist, despite the government’s claims that peace is returning after just one death was reported in the last four months. This extension raises important issues regarding governance, reconciliation, and Manipur’s future as the Central government intensifies security operations and dialogue. What is the reasoning behind this choice, and will it lead to enduring peace? Let’s examine the risks associated with this crucial decision.
According to The Hindu, the extension is the eleventh extension of President’s Rule since it was imposed on February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned in the face of intensifying ethnic tensions. In support of the resolution, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai noted a notable decrease in violence, saying, “There has been only one fatality in four months, proof of peace returning.” He pointed to a 70% decrease in security force casualties and a 69% decrease in violent incidents when compared to the UPA era. Opposition voices, however, such as AK Antony of the Congress and Lalji Verma of the Samajwadi Party, denounced the Center for a “complete collapse of governance,” contending that extended central rule has not succeeded in bridging ethnic divides.
Manipur’s unrest began in May 2023 when a “Tribal Solidarity March” against a high court order led to violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which resulted in 60,000 displacements and more than 250 fatalities. Following a no-confidence motion, leadership conflicts, and the fall of the BJP-led government, Article 356 imposed President’s Rule, with former Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla named governor. Parliament now has legislative authority, and the state assembly is still in suspended animation. Ethnic tensions persist and efforts at reconciliation are progressing slowly, despite security crackdowns on organizations such as KCP and PREPAK and recent arrests in Imphal and Tamenglong.
There are differences in political and public opinion. Posts on X, like those from @KimHaokipINC and @SanghamitraLIVE, express annoyance and claim that the extension is an acknowledgement of the Modi government’s inability to bring about peace. According to some, such as @MrDemocratic_, it emphasizes neglect in contrast to the prime minister’s international engagements. On the other hand, proponents of the extension, such as Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu of the TDP, support it, arguing that stability is necessary prior to elections. The challenge is highlighted by dissent within the NDA, where 21 MLAs are calling for an elected government. The Center wants to use this time to bolster law and order and evaluate the viability of elections.
Security is not the only factor that will determine Manipur’s future. Even though the ethnic divide calls for political will and inclusive discourse, the BJP’s national leadership has come under fire for adopting a dispassionate posture. As President’s Rule lasts until February 2026, will the Center’s strategy heal Manipur’s scars or foster more mistrust? The nation watches as this fragile state attempts to resolve the crisis.
