Amit Shah to Move Resolution for Extending President’s Rule in Manipur Amid Ongoing Challenges
In a major development in Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah would table a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months, beginning on August 13, 2025, by invoking Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, as the state contends with ongoing ethnic violence and political instability. This controversial measure prompt a real-time conversation amongst the people of India about stability, reconciliation, and how to bridge divisions for the people of Manipur.
President’s Rule in Manipur beginning on February 13, 2025 came just days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9 due to rising tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Violence exploded following a Manipur High Court order in May 2023 allowing Meitei to be included in Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, killing more than 250 people and displacing some 60,000 people. As noted in a recent Rajya Sabha bulletin, the decision to extend President’s Rule was because there was no consensus on forming a new state government. Since Singh departure, no party or MLA has formally claimed the office of Chief Minister.
The resolution to be debated in the current Parliament’s Monsoon Session is about the continuation of the suspension of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, and the transfer of the Legislative powers, when suspended, to the Parliament by the Governor. Amit Shah has stated that the suspension is not a failure of governance, but because of political vacuum. He asserted, that violence has reduced significantly since November 2024, and there have been no significant incidents in recent months, emphasising that Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor, is administering the state in a “neutral” manner.
The extension has also evoked mixed responses. Opposition leaders such as Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge and Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’Brien have slammed the Centre’s response to Manipur, suggesting that they lack long term plan whilst urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur. They have claimed that President’s rule, while necessary, is a signal to the government that they have failed to normalise the situation following 22 months of unrest. The 21 NDA MLAs have demanded a “popular government” to channel the frustrations of the public about an extended central rule.
Shah disputed the assertions suggesting a “lack of engagement,” indicating that the Central Government engaged in “13 rounds of meetings” with representatives of the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Shah stated the government also planned a final dialogue aimed at accommodation in Delhi. He explained that the violence, which had 70% of its fatalities in its first 15 days, is not driven by religion or terrorism, but a more complicated ethnic confrontation that needs to be resolved through dialogue. He reiterated that the government’s ban on illegal weapons and armed groups has assisted the government in maintaining stabilization.
As Manipur continues to face tumult, President’s Rule is being extended. While it indicates a cautious approach in moving towards stabilization, it also leaves us to wonder how and when democracy will be restored. With the terms of the state assembly lasting until 2027, India’s leadership must find a way to balance stay short-term stability while also reconciling long-term healing, ensuring that Manipur moves through, and potentially grows out of, its wounds through a process of unity and justice.
