Ukhrul, Feb 11: The Union government to ensure governance continuity in exceptional circumstances faced in Manipur with the ongoing ethnic conflict and the subsequent resignation of N Biren Singh as the Chief Minister has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur effective today as the state government has failed to function.
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This makes it the 11th time Article 356 of the Indian Constitution has been imposed in the Northeast state of Manipur.
The last imposition of PR rule in Manipur began from June 2, 2001 and ended in March 6, 2002 which lasted for 277 days.
Amid the political developments, speculation was high over whether the Central government would impose President’s Rule to restore stability or allow a new BJP-led government to take charge.
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It may be recalled that in 2001, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur after the Parliament approved the decision, citing the need to restore stability in the state. The resolution was passed by a voice vote. The central government expressed its willingness to engage in talks with militant groups that renounce violence to promote peace in the Northeast. The then home Minister L.K. Advani, during a discussion in the Lok Sabha, expressed hope that the peace process in Nagaland could be extended to other insurgent groups, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
According to the Constitutional provision, if a state government is unable to carry out its duties as per constitutional guidelines, the Centre can assume direct control over the state’s administration. This measure is typically invoked in cases of political instability, failure of governance, or breakdown of law and order.
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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 let to the imposition of PR rule.
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.
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