Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday moved a statutory resolution in Parliament to extend President’s rule in Manipur for another six months, citing continuing instability in the state. The resolution, once approved, will keep the northeastern state under central rule until February 13, 2026.
President’s rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13 this year, just days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. Since then, the state assembly — which remains in suspended animation and has a term until 2027 — has been non-functional.
The move comes against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023 and has claimed over 250 lives. While officials have reported a significant decline in violence since the imposition of President’s rule, the security situation remains sensitive, with the Centre launching fresh operations to recover illegal arms and dismantle militant networks.
The government has also shifted its focus to resettling thousands of internally displaced people from both communities. Authorities have set an ambitious target to shut down all relief camps by the end of this year.
Despite the Centre’s efforts, the extension of President’s rule is seen as a political setback for the ruling BJP's state unit, which has been lobbying for the reinstatement of an elected government. On the other hand, ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community have welcomed the continuation of central rule, insisting it remain in place until their demand for a separate Union Territory-like administration is thoroughly considered.
Sources indicate that the Centre is also engaged in discreet negotiations with civil society groups to ease tensions and explore long-term solutions.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)