IMPOSITION OF PRESIDENT’S RULE IN MANIPUR
- On February 13, 2025, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur, a northeastern state of India that has faced severe ethnic violence for nearly two years.
- This decision was made after the Chief Minister’s resignation and the state’s deteriorating situation due to ethnic conflicts between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei
- President Droupadi Murmu issued a proclamation under Article 356 of the Constitution, citing that the government of the state could not function in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
- As part of the proclamation, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has been suspended, but it has not been dissolved. The Assembly’s tenure extends until 2027.
- The administrative and security-related decisions will now be handled by the Governor.
IS IT THE FIRST TIME FOR MANIPUR?ARTICLE 356
ARTICLE 356
- According to Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, if the President believes that a state government is unable to function as per constitutional provisions, they may impose President’s Rule.
- This proclamation will remain valid for 2 months unless approved by both Houses of Parliament. If not approved, the rule will cease.
POLITICAL CRISIS IN MANIPUR
- Resignation of the Chief Minister:
- The Chief Minister of Manipur resigned on February 9, 2025, following internal disagreements within the state’s ruling party regarding an alternative leader.
- Despite discussions with the Union Home Minister, no consensus could be reached on a replacement, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule.
- Security Concerns:
- Amid rising tensions, security forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.
- There are concerns over further violence due to the deepening ethnic divisions and the inability of the state government to restore peace.
ETHNIC VIOLENCE & DISPLACEMENT
- Background of Ethnic Violence:
- The ongoing ethnic violence began on May 3, 2023, between the tribal Kuki-Zo communities and the Meitei people, triggering widespread unrest in the state.
- The violence has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people.
- Many individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to clashes between these communities.
SUPPORT FROM INDIGENOUS LEADERS
- The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo communities, expressed support for the imposition of President’s Rule.
- They argued that this would allow for an impartial approach to end the violence and create an environment for political dialogue and peacebuilding.
CPI (MARXIST) RESPONSE
- The CPI(M) demanded immediate revocation of President’s Rule and called for fresh elections to restore democratic governance in the state.
- The party also emphasized its commitment to Manipur’s territorial integrity and pledged to resist any attempts to alter the state’s boundaries.
CONCERNS
- Illegal Immigration Issues:
- Just before the imposition of President’s Rule, the former Chief Minister raised concerns about the increasing levels of illegal immigration from neighboring Myanmar. He highlighted the state’s 398-kilometer border with Myanmar, which lacks adequate surveillance and security.
- He warned that the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the border was contributing to demographic changes, which were exacerbating tensions and conflicts within the state.
- The former CM emphasized the need to address illegal immigration to protect the state’s identity and resources, which are under significant strain due to the growing population influx.
- Current State of Border Control:
- The border situation has become critical, especially after the May 3, 2023, violence, as the state machinery has struggled to maintain control over the influx of immigrants. There are concerns that the lack of effective border management could lead to further destabilization in the region.
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