Four days after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister, the Centre Thursday announced that President’s rule had been imposed in Manipur and the state assembly placed under suspended animation. This closes a chapter and opens another in the state roiled by ethnic violence since May 2023.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said President Droupadi Murmu is of the opinion that “a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution”.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I – assume to myself as President of India all functions of the Government of the State of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that State,” the notification said.
Why President’s Rule Has been Imposed?
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023. More than 200 people have been killed in the conflict. President Droupadi Murmu’s decision, announced hours after the two Houses of Parliament adjourned to meet again on March 10 for the remainder of the Budget session, followed a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Of the 59 legislators, 37 were from BJP, 6 from NPP, 5 from NPF, 5 from Congress, 2 from Kuki People’s Alliance, one from JDU and three independents. Both KPA and NPP, which were part of the government, had withdrawn support after the violence. At least 2 NPP MLAs continued to back Biren Singh even after the party formally withdrew its support.
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