#WATCH | Imphal | President's Rule imposed in Manipur; BJP MP Sambit Patra leaves from the residence of former Manipur CM N Biren Singh pic.twitter.com/FpVHR9y2Ia
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2025
Even three days after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister of Manipur, there is still no agreement on a replacement, and the state has been placed under president’s rule.
The Constitution’s Article 174(1) stipulates that state assemblies shall meet again within six months of their most recent session. Wednesday is the deadline for the next meeting of the Manipur Assembly, which last met on August 12, 2024.
However, after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday, Governor Ajay Bhalla canceled the Budget session, which was supposed to start on Monday.
Singh essentially avoided a political confrontation by resigning only one day before his government was about to face a no-confidence motion and a significant floor test. Almost two years after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, he resigned under increasing pressure from the opposition, who had been adamantly calling for his dismissal.
Ahead of the Congress’s scheduled no-confidence motion in the Assembly, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Monday, allegedly to rescue the BJP rather than the people of Manipur, where ethnic violence has been ongoing for about two months.
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi claimed that the BJP lacked a plan to bring peace back to the northeastern state, while Congress politician Priyanka Gandhi said the decision was long overdue.
Days after the Supreme Court requested a sealed-cover forensic report on the veracity of leaked audio clips accusing Singh of being involved in the ethnic violence, the Manipur Chief Minister resigned. During the fighting with Kukis, Singh allegedly stated in conversations on the tapes that Meitei factions were permitted to steal weapons and ammunition from the state government.
“The resignation of CM Biren Singh shows that mounting public pressure, the SC investigation, and the no-confidence motion by the Congress have forced a reckoning,” Rahul Gandhi stated, citing the Supreme Court’s investigation as one of the reasons behind Singh’s action.
President's Rule imposed in Manipur! 🇮🇳 Ethnic clashes, political turmoil & a state in crisis. What really happened? 🛑 #manipur #india #meitei #kuki #violence #ManipurViolence #PresidentsRule #MeiteiKukiConflict #NortheastIndia Read the full story: https://t.co/fCDdspemFa 📖🔥 pic.twitter.com/XCo1rEbgyk
— BuzzWee (@The_buzzwee) February 13, 2025
Manipur, a state in northeast India, has been embroiled in ethnic violence for over a year, culminating in the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025. This decision followed the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid widespread violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict has deep historical, social, and political roots, and its escalation has resulted in loss of lives, displacement of thousands, and a breakdown of law and order.
Historical Context of the Conflict
The tension between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur is not new. It stems from long-standing disputes over land, resources, and identity. The Meiteis, predominantly Hindu, constitute about 53% of the population and reside mainly in the Imphal Valley. In contrast, the Kuki and Naga tribes, who are mostly Christian, inhabit the surrounding hilly regions.
The conflict gained momentum when the Manipur High Court recommended granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis. This move was met with strong resistance from the hill tribes, who feared losing their existing privileges related to job reservations and land rights. The Kukis and Nagas argued that extending ST status to the dominant Meitei community would marginalize them further.
Triggers of the 2023 Violence
In May 2023, protests erupted following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized by the hill communities. The march opposed the Meitei community’s demand for ST status. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to violent clashes, arson, and killings. Reports indicated over 250 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people.
Political Developments
The state’s BJP-led government, under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, was accused of bias in handling the violence. Opposition parties criticized Singh for favoring the Meitei community and failing to protect the Kuki population. Amid mounting pressure, Singh resigned in February 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu subsequently imposed President’s Rule, citing the state’s inability to function constitutionally. This brought the state under direct federal control, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla overseeing administration.
Key Factors Behind the Violence
- Ethnic Tensions: Historical animosities between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
- Land Disputes: The demand for ST status by Meiteis raised fears about land ownership in the hill areas.
- Illegal Immigration: The influx of refugees from Myanmar, following its 2021 military coup, increased demographic concerns among native communities.
- Militarization: Looting of arms from police armories led to the rise of community-based militias.
- Political Instability: The government’s failure to implement peace measures and address grievances from all sides contributed to the escalation.
Humanitarian Crisis
The violence caused significant human suffering. Displacement camps were set up to accommodate tens of thousands of people, but these camps soon became overcrowded, with poor sanitation and inadequate resources. Reports of sexual violence, arson, and extrajudicial killings emerged, drawing national and international concern.
The Role of External Factors
The conflict in Manipur has also been influenced by external factors such as cross-border ethnic ties with Myanmar. The Kuki-Zo tribes share kinship with Myanmar’s Chin community, and the influx of refugees has heightened ethnic tensions. Additionally, the availability of sophisticated firearms, allegedly smuggled from across the border, has worsened the violence.
Government Response and Future Steps
With President’s Rule in place, the federal government has deployed additional security forces and initiated peace talks with community leaders. However, restoring trust remains a significant challenge.
Key measures under consideration include:
- Disarmament of militias.
- Rehabilitation of displaced individuals.
- Dialogue initiatives involving all stakeholders.
- Socio-economic development programs for affected communities.
Conclusion
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur marks a critical juncture in the state’s history. While it provides an opportunity to restore order, the long-term resolution of the conflict will require addressing the root causes of ethnic tensions and ensuring equitable development for all communities involved. The situation in Manipur underscores the need for inclusive governance and sustained peacebuilding efforts to prevent further unrest.
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