Summary
- President’s rule in Manipur, first imposed on February 13, to extend till February 2026.
- Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups has claimed 250+ lives since May 2023.
- Centre prioritizes weapon recovery, resettlement of displaced people, and closure of relief camps.
Renewed Focus on Security and Stability
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution in Parliament for a six-month extension of President’s rule.
- The measure follows the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 10, which created a leadership vacuum.
- The state assembly will remain under suspended animation until at least February 13, 2026.
The extension reflects the Centre’s emphasis on consolidating security gains made since February 2025. Officials have cited a marked decline in violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, attributing it to the tight administrative control and the crackdown on illegal arms. Security forces have recovered large caches of weapons in recent months, which were previously fueling inter-community clashes.
President's rule in Manipur has been extended for a period of six months, effective from August 13, 2025. pic.twitter.com/KK2QKk4F6F
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2025
Resettlement and Humanitarian Concerns
- The ethnic unrest has displaced thousands, forcing many into temporary relief camps.
- The Centre aims to close these camps and rehabilitate displaced individuals by year-end.
- Humanitarian efforts are coupled with back-channel talks with local civil society groups.
The government is focusing on resettling internally displaced people, a task complicated by lingering distrust between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. Officials are working to ensure safe return and rehabilitation while maintaining peace in sensitive areas. This humanitarian angle is seen as critical for achieving long-term stability and restoring normalcy before elections are considered.
Political Divide Over the Extension
- The BJP’s Manipur unit has been pressing for a return to an elected state government.
- Conversely, 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs demand continued President’s rule until discussions on a separate administration take place.
- The extension signals the Centre’s cautious stance amidst unresolved political demands.
While the ruling BJP at the national level supports the extension for security reasons, its state unit views it as a setback to political governance. The demand for a separate administrative arrangement, akin to a union territory, from Kuki-Zo representatives adds another layer of complexity, making an immediate return to democratic governance unlikely.
A Balancing Act for the Centre
The decision to extend President’s rule highlights the Centre’s challenge of balancing security, humanitarian needs, and political aspirations in Manipur. While violence has decreased, the core issues of ethnic tension and governance remain unresolved. The next six months will be critical in determining whether the groundwork for fresh elections and long-term peace can be laid.
