Will the President's Rule in Manipur be Extended Until February 2026?
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Synopsis
The President's Rule in Manipur has been extended until February 2026 amid ongoing ethnic violence and security challenges. This decision aims to stabilize the law-and-order situation as the government evaluates plans for future Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
- President's Rule in Manipur extended until February 2026.
- Joint security forces are stepping up actions against insurgent groups.
- The decision aims to stabilize law and order.
- Ethnic violence has caused significant loss of life and displacement.
- Efforts for reconciliation are ongoing.
New Delhi, July 25 (NationPress) The President's Rule in Manipur has been prolonged for an additional six months, effective from August 13, 2025, as joint security forces intensify operations against insurgent factions across the state.
This resolution was introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha, requesting approval for the extension.
The resolution stated: "That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated February 13, 2025, concerning Manipur, issued under Article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months starting from August 13, 2025."
The President's Rule was first enacted in Manipur on February 13, 2025, in response to ongoing ethnic violence and a collapse of the administrative system in the state.
The unrest began in 2023 following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized against a high court ruling. Numerous attempts by the Central government have been made to engage the conflicting communities in dialogue.
This extension occurs amid heightened security concerns in various regions of Manipur, with ongoing efforts at reconciliation and peacebuilding.
The Central government aims to utilize this timeframe to stabilize the law-and-order situation and evaluate the feasibility of conducting Assembly elections in the future.
President's Rule was imposed after the Bharatiya Janata Party was unable to reach an agreement on a successor to N. Biren Singh, who resigned as Chief Minister on February 9.
His resignation occurred just one day prior to a no-confidence motion and a critical floor test.
Singh's departure followed nearly two years of ethnic turmoil in the state, which erupted in May 2023, amidst increasing demands from the opposition for his resignation.
In April, 21 NDA MLAs from the state wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah, urging the immediate establishment of a "popular government".
They expressed that the people of Manipur had welcomed President's Rule with optimism, yet no tangible efforts had been made to restore peace and normalcy.
"There is a strong fear among the general populace that violence may reemerge. Numerous civil society organizations have publicly opposed the imposition of President's Rule, advocating for the establishment of a popular government in the state," the MLAs stated collectively.
The ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that ignited on May 3, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of 250 individuals and displaced over 60,000 from their homes.
National Highways 2 and 37, essential for connecting the isolated Imphal valley to Nagaland and Assam, are situated in areas inhabited by Kuki-Zo individuals.
Since the violence commenced in May 2023, the Meitei population residing in the valley has been unable to access these highways. More than 6,000 police weapons were also reported stolen in the state.
In the last 24 hours, authorities confirmed the apprehension of 10 militants connected to banned organizations.
A senior police official disclosed that the arrests occurred across districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, Tengnoupal, and Tamenglong.
The detained individuals are believed to be affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the complexities of the situation in Manipur. The extension of President's Rule reflects the government's commitment to restoring peace and stability. However, it also raises questions about governance and the need for a popular mandate amidst ongoing ethnic tensions. The situation calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes dialogue and reconciliation.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is President's Rule?
President's Rule is a provision under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, allowing the central government to assume control of a state's administration when the constitutional machinery fails.
Why was President's Rule imposed in Manipur?
It was imposed due to prolonged ethnic violence and a collapse of the administrative system in the state.
What are the implications of the extension?
The extension aims to stabilize the law-and-order situation while assessing the feasibility of holding future Assembly elections.
How has ethnic violence affected the people of Manipur?
The violence has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people from their homes.
What actions are being taken against insurgent groups?
Security forces have intensified operations, resulting in the apprehension of militants linked to banned outfits.
