President's Rule Imposed in Manipur: Causes, Implications, and Historical Context

On February 13, 2025, the Government of India imposed President's Rule in the northeastern state of Manipur, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. This decision comes after nearly 21 months of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands.

The conflict in Manipur intensified in May 2023 when a court suggested extending economic benefits and job quotas, previously granted to the Kuki community, to the majority Meitei population. This proposal led to violent clashes over land rights and affirmative action policies, exacerbating tensions between the two groups.

Following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation on February 9, 2025, the central government, citing Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, imposed President's Rule in Manipur. This constitutional provision allows the federal government to take direct control of a state if it is deemed that the state government cannot function according to constitutional norms.

Under President's Rule, the state's legislative assembly is either dissolved or placed under suspended animation, and the executive authority is exercised by the centrally appointed governor. In Manipur's case, the assembly has been put under suspended animation, and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a former interior ministry bureaucrat, has assumed administrative control.

This is not the first time Manipur has come under President's Rule. The state has experienced direct federal control multiple times since its formation, often due to political instability and ethnic conflicts. The most recent instance prior to this was from June 2001 to March 2002, lasting 277 days.

The imposition of President's Rule has elicited mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step to restore order, others criticize it as an undermining of democratic processes. The central government's immediate priorities include restoring peace, facilitating dialogue between conflicting communities, and preparing for fresh elections to re-establish a democratically elected government in Manipur.

The situation in Manipur underscores the complex interplay of ethnic identities, political power, and governance in India's northeastern region. The imposition of President's Rule is a significant development with far-reaching implications for the state's future and the broader discourse on federalism and autonomy in India.