Ukhrul, Feb 10: With political instability at the front and ethnic conflict tensions in the rear seat (as of now) in Manipur, discussions surrounding the imposition of President’s Rule in the state have gained momentum.
The demand for Central rule in Manipur state that achieved its statehood in January 21, 1972 has been fueled by continued law and order concerns, internal political strife, and ethnic conflicts. The ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki tribal communities is one such trigger that has the potential for the imposition of PR rule yet again.
Historically, Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the imposition of President’s Rule, has been enforced in Manipur at least 10 times. This included those PR rule when the state was still a Union Territory from 1967 until it attained full statehood in 1972.
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It is worth noting that the longest spell of President’s Rule in the state was during the Naga-Kuki clashes from 1993 to 1994, lasting nearly a year.
Most past instances of President’s Rule in Manipur were imposed due to breakdowns in law and order, government collapses due to defections, and internal party conflicts. In some cases, allegations of corruption and political instability led to the dismissal of governments and dissolution of the Assembly.
Interestingly, N. Biren Singh, before joining the BJP, was a vocal critic of the former Congress Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s handling of the 2015 tribal protests in Churachandpur, where nine people lost their lives.
N. Biren Singh, who was elected from the Heingang Assembly Constituency, first became Chief Minister of Manipur on March 15, 2017.
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Now, as Biren Singh has resigned from the Chief Minister’s post, opposition parties, according to Newmai News Network, sources says that high octane parleys and lobbies are underway among the Manipur legislators on the matter. At the same time, speculations are also doing the rounds that Manipur is likely to be left with suspended animation until a new chief minister is chosen among the ruling MLAs.
Meanwhile, the BJP high command has reportedly summoned its MLAs and allies to Delhi on February 12 to decide on the next Chief Minister. Amid these developments, speculation remains high over whether the Central government will impose President’s Rule to restore stability or allow a new BJP-led government to take charge.
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The coming days will be crucial in determining Manipur’s political trajectory as stakeholders weigh the possibility of direct Central rule versus a new leadership transition in the state. However, it is of utmost importance that the Central government, regardless of the outcome, prioritises the resettlement of more than 60,000 displaced persons in the state and implements a phased, calibrated resolution to the Meitei and Kuki communities’ conflict at the earliest.
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