By Our Correspondent
Imphal (Manipur), Feb 13 : In a significant development, the Union Government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, taking control of the state’s administration amidst escalating ethnic violence.
The decision, effective immediately, was announced after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his position on Feb 9. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification stating that President Droupadi Murmu is of the opinion that “a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution”.
The imposition of President’s Rule comes after months of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 250 deaths and widespread destruction. The state government’s inability to contain the violence and restore order prompted the Centre’s intervention.
With the President’s Rule in place, the state assembly has been put under suspended animation, and the Centre will assume all executive powers. The development is seen as a significant setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the state.
The opposition Congress party has welcomed the decision, stating that the state government had failed to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. However, the BJP has termed the imposition of President’s Rule as “unfortunate” and “undemocratic”.
The Centre’s move is expected to bring some semblance of order in the troubled state, but the long-term implications of this decision remain to be seen.
