President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9. The state assembly has been placed under suspended animation, marking a significant shift in the state’s ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has resulted in over 200 deaths.
President Droupadi Murmu’s decision came after a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and was announced shortly after Parliament adjourned for the remainder of the Budget session on March 10. A new security plan has been implemented, with authorities monitoring movements to prevent further incidents.
The political crisis deepened after the BJP-led government collapsed, with Singh stepping down following talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda in Delhi. The Governor nullified a previous order summoning the Assembly on February 10.
The 60-member Manipur Assembly currently has 59 members after the death of NPP MLA N Kayisii. Of these, 37 belong to the BJP. However, the BJP’s allies, including the Kuki People’s Alliance and the National People’s Party, withdrew their support following the violence. Congress had earlier threatened a no-confidence motion against the Singh government.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan’s notification stated that the President had assumed control of Manipur’s government under Article 356 of the Constitution, with legislative powers now exercisable by Parliament.
Efforts to appoint a new CM candidate through meetings led by BJP’s Northeast coordination head Sambit Patra failed to produce a consensus. Some BJP MLAs reportedly supported President’s Rule as an opportunity to crack down on armed groups across the state.
Congress President K. Meghachandra Singh criticized the imposition of President’s Rule, calling it a reflection of a “failed state” under Singh’s leadership. However, Kuki-Zo groups welcomed the move, expressing hope that it would pave the way for peace and political dialogue. Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Kuki-Zo group ITLF, stated that President’s Rule could mark the beginning of steps toward resolving the conflict.
