President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur, India, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid rising ethnic violence. This decision, announced on February 13, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu, marks significant political turbulence amid unrest between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Five days after Singh’s resignation, which came after mounting pressure and allegations of bias against the Kuki community, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the administration could no longer function according to the Constitution, leading to the proclamation under Article 356. The notification stated, “I am satisfied […] the government of [Manipur] cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India,” reflecting the dire situation reported by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed rampant ethnic conflict; more than 250 individuals have died, and thousands have been displaced. Tensions escalated when demands from the Meitei community for official tribal status ignited fears among the Kukis of diminishing land and political rights. Efforts to broker peace have repeatedly faltered, leaving communities fractured and distrustful.
Following the Chief Minister's resignation on February 9, associated with discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda, the ruling BJP faced challenges to establish new leadership within the party. Sambit Patra, the BJP's northeastern coordinator, conducted extensive discussions with party members before President Murmu's announcement of federal rule.
The announcement coincided with the collapse of the BJP-led government following the resignation and reports of intense infighting within the party over leadership succession. The Congress party hinted it would introduce a no-confidence motion against Singh just before he resigned. Giorgio Ramesh, Congress's national leader, described the resignation as stemming from “what the Supreme Court called ‘the absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery.’”
Political analysts note the imposition of President's Rule, with the assembly placed under suspended animation, is not the first for Manipur, recalling the last instances of direct federal intervention lasting 277 days from 2001 to 2002. The risks of similar unrest loomed as both the Kukis and Meiteis remained divided along longstanding social and political lines.
Leaders from the Kuki-Zo group expressed cautious optimism about the federal rule, believing it offers hope for dialogue and stability. Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, indicated, “With the [President's Rule], I believe the groundwork to end violence will begin […] pave the way for political dialogue.” The sentiment highlights not only the desire for governance but also the urgency for reconciliation.
The conflict has often drawn national attention, particularly after harrowing events such as the July 2023 incident where two women were paraded naked by a mob, provoking outrage across India and internationally. Although the unrest had seemed subdued lately, the fragility of peace remains apparent with sporadic violence continuing between the divided communities.
Singh, during his tenure, continuously faced allegations of favoritism toward the Meitei community, which he denied. The administration’s challenges have included monitoring illegal immigration through more than 398 kilometers of porous border with Myanmar, which Singh cited as contributing to demographic shifts exacerbated by the civil unrest.
Looking forward, the Indian government's focus will likely shift toward restoring order and managing community tensions under President’s Rule. The suspension of the Assembly raises questions about the political future of the state as the central government assumes direct control. The Assembly's tenure is not set to expire until 2027, with concerns about prolonged instability overshadowing the immediate political horizon.
Critics of the ruling party, including multiple opposition members and civil society activists, will be observing the actions taken by the central government closely to judge their effectiveness. The future of Manipur's stability and the long-term resolution to the ethnic strife hinge on the ability of the leadership to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders involved.
With significant challenges still looming large, the path forward for Manipur remains uncertain. Under the auspices of President’s Rule, there exists both hope for renewed dialogue and fear of potential escalation, illustrating the complex interplay of politics, identity, and governance at play.