Parliament Extends President's Rule in Manipur for Six More Months
The Lok Sabha has approved a resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, effective from August 13. The central government argued the extension is necessary to consolidate peace and maintain law and order in the state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence. The move faced opposition from parties demanding the restoration of a democratically elected government. Manipur has been under central administration since February 2025 following a severe breakdown of state machinery.
Unpacked:
President's Rule was imposed after a severe breakdown of law and order, following prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began in May 2023. The situation escalated with deaths, displacement, and the resignation of the divisive chief minister, prompting central administration to take control.
The main groups are the Meitei, who are mostly Hindu and live in the Imphal valley, and the Kuki-Zo, predominantly Christian, residing in the surrounding hills. The violence was triggered by disputes over land, political representation, and the Meiteis’ demand for official tribal status, which the Kukis fear would marginalize them further.
Since May 2023, over 260 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced. Civilians have suffered from attacks on homes and villages, sexual violence, and loss of livelihoods, with ongoing humanitarian needs and deepened mistrust between communities.
Opposition parties argue that extending President's Rule undermines democracy and delays the restoration of an elected government. They contend that local representation is crucial for building trust and achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict, rather than continued central control.