The Lok Sabha has approved a resolution to impose President's Rule in Manipur. This decision was taken early Thursday, with support from members across political parties. However, many leaders criticised the central government for failing to control the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah answered the questions and concerns raised during the discussion in the Lok Sabha. He told the members that the government is doing everything it can to bring peace and stability back to Manipur. He said that there has been no violence in the state for the past four months. He also mentioned that the government is having discussions with both the Meitei and Kuki communities to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Why was president’s rule imposed in Manipur?

The violence in Manipur began in May 2023 after a decision by the state's high court. Home Minister Amit Shah said that the government quickly sent central forces to control the situation. However, the violence kept increasing, and the state government found it difficult to handle the crisis.

In the past year, 260 people have lost their lives because of the conflict. Shah said that most of these deaths—about 80%—happened in the first month of violence. He also admitted that although the situation is now calmer, many people are still living in relief camps.

During the discussion in the Lok Sabha, many opposition leaders agreed with the decision to impose President’s Rule in Manipur. However, they also asked the government to take stronger action to bring back peace and stability.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that the government should focus on ending violence and encouraging discussions between different communities. Sayani Ghosh from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also supported the decision but said that peace should be restored as soon as possible.

K. Kanimozhi from the DMK party criticised what she called 'divisive politics' and said that Manipur should have an elected government instead of President’s Rule. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant shared his worries about the current situation in the state. NCP (SCP) leader Supriya Sule said that President’s Rule should not last for too long and asked the Home Minister to take quick steps to bring normal life back to Manipur.

What steps has the government taken to control the situation?

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the government’s actions and said there was no delay in responding to the violence in Manipur. He also explained that ethnic violence in the state is not a new problem.

He talked about past conflicts, such as the fights between the Naga and Kuki communities in the 1990s, which lasted for more than five years and caused 750 deaths. He also mentioned the clashes between the Kuki and Paite communities in 1997-98, where 352 people lost their lives. Additionally, he spoke about the Meitei-Pangal violence in the 1990s, which led to over 100 deaths.

Amit Shah said that some people are trying to create the idea that violence in Manipur started only under the current government, but he said this is not true. He assured the Lok Sabha that the government is fully committed to bringing back peace and normal life in the state.

The resolution, titled 'Consideration on the Proclamation Issued by the President on the 13th of February 2025 under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution in Relation to the State of Manipur', was passed in the Lok Sabha through a voice vote. This means that members of Parliament agreed to it by speaking out in support instead of a formal count of votes.

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