New Delhi, Thursday, April 3, 2025 - The Lok Sabha early today confirmed the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, paving the way for direct governance by the central government in the strife-torn northeastern state. The decision, while supported by opposition parties, was met with sharp criticism of the Centre's handling of the prolonged ethnic unrest that has gripped the region for months.
The statutory resolution for President's Rule, moved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was adopted by the House, which also expressed its condolences for the lives lost in the violence.Shah, in his address to the Lok Sabha, stated that the ethnic violence in Manipur was triggered by a reservation-related dispute between two communities following a Manipur High Court decision.
Shah Highlights Improved Security, Opposition Cries Foul
Home Minister Amit Shah assured the Lok Sabha that there has been no violence in Manipur for the past four months, since December 2024, and that the government has ensured the provision of essential supplies and medical care in relief camps for displaced individuals. He also mentioned that security forces were deployed promptly on the day the High Court order was issued to control the situation.
However, opposition leaders questioned the government's claims and the timing of the debate, which was held in the early hours of the morning after a lengthy discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, while supporting the resolution, criticized the delay in imposing President's Rule and highlighted the issue of looted arms in the state. DMK's Kanimozhi also slammed the government for discussing such a sensitive issue at an unusual hour. Other opposition members echoed concerns about the prevailing situation and urged for the early restoration of peace and an elected government.
Security Forces Continue Operations
Despite the Home Minister's claims of no violence in recent months, reports indicate continued security operations in Manipur. Security forces arrested two militants in separate incidents over the last 24 hours and recovered arms, ammunition, and explosives during search operations in various districts. The Manipur Police stated that the situation in the state was "tense but under control".
Rehabilitation Efforts Underway
Amit Shah assured the House that discussions are ongoing for a comprehensive rehabilitation package for those displaced by the violence. He mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting with both communities to discuss these efforts.
Mixed Reactions to President's Rule
The imposition of President's Rule has evoked mixed reactions in Manipur. While the Kuki Zo community welcomed the decision as a "ray of hope," Meitei groups have criticized it as undemocratic.
Waqf Bill Passed Amidst Marathon Debate
Prior to the discussion on Manipur, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 after a marathon debate that lasted over 12 hours.
The confirmation of President's Rule in Manipur marks a significant step as the central government takes direct control of the state. However, the path towards lasting peace and normalcy remains a complex challenge, with deep divisions and mistrust persisting between communities.
To provide a clearer understanding of the diverse perspectives presented during the Lok Sabha debate, the following table summarizes the key points raised by prominent speakers:
Manipur President's Rule Debate Dashboard
Amit Shah (BJP)
Government has taken all possible steps to restore normalcy; no violence in the last four months; talks ongoing with both communities; violence started due to a High Court order; government acted promptly.
Supporting (Moved the Resolution)
Shashi Tharoor (INC)
Supported the resolution but argued it was imposed too late; called for restoration of peace and stability, end to insurgency, dialogue, and inclusivity; highlighted the issue of looted arms and the need for PM's visit.
Conditional Support (Criticized Government Handling)
Sayani Ghosh (TMC)
Supported the resolution but favored the early restoration of peace.
Conditional Support (Favored Peace Restoration)
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK)
Objected to the late-night timing of the debate; questioned the effectiveness of President's Rule given continued violence; called for an end to divisive politics and the restoration of normalcy and an elected government.
Conditional Support (Criticized Government Handling)
Arvind Sawant (UBT)
Expressed concern over the prevailing situation and emphasized the need for peace to be restored.
Conditional Support (Concerned about Situation)
Supriya Sule (NCP(SCP))
Stated that President's Rule is not good for democracy and sought "strong intervention" from the Home Minister to bring back normalcy.
Conditional Support (Sought Stronger Intervention)
This table illustrates the consensus among various political parties regarding the need for President's Rule as a response to the crisis in Manipur, while simultaneously underscoring the significant concerns and criticisms directed at the central government's approach to the issue.
Home Minister Amit Shah's Statements in Lok Sabha
During the debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the government's perspective on the situation in Manipur and the rationale behind the imposition of President's Rule. He asserted that the government had undertaken all feasible measures to reinstate normalcy in the state, which has been grappling with ethnic strife for an extended period. A key point of his address was the claim that there had been no reported incidents of violence in Manipur for the preceding four months, specifically since December 2024. While highlighting this period of relative calm, Shah did concede that the overall situation could not be termed entirely satisfactory due to the continued presence of a significant number of internally displaced persons residing in relief camps. This acknowledgment suggested that while overt violence might have subsided, the underlying tensions and the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict persisted.
Further elaborating on the government's efforts, Shah informed the House that discussions were actively ongoing with representatives from both the Meitei and Kuki communities, the two primary groups involved in the ethnic clashes, with the aim of achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution. He reiterated the government's commitment to facilitating dialogue and finding a mutually acceptable path forward. In explaining the genesis of the prolonged unrest, Shah pointed to an order issued by the Manipur High Court in May 2023 concerning a reservation-related dispute as the initial trigger for the ethnic violence. He emphasized that the government had responded swiftly to the eruption of violence by deploying central security forces via air transport on the very day the High Court's order was issued, thereby refuting any claims of delayed action on the part of the central authorities.
To provide a sense of the scale of the human tragedy, Shah shared data indicating that approximately 260 individuals had lost their lives in the ethnic violence since its onset in May 2023, with a significant majority, around 80%, of these fatalities occurring within the first month of the clashes. This statistic underscored the initial intensity of the violence and the urgent need for effective measures to restore order. In an apparent attempt to contextualize the current crisis and counter the opposition's narrative that the violence was unprecedented under the current administration, Shah referred to historical instances of ethnic clashes in Manipur that had occurred during the tenures of previous governments. By citing examples such as the Naga-Kuki conflict in the 1990s, which spanned several years and resulted in a significant loss of life, he aimed to provide a broader historical perspective on the complexities of ethnic relations in the state and suggest that such conflicts were not unique to the present time.
Opposition's Perspective on Manipur Situation
While extending their support to the resolution confirming President's Rule in Manipur, opposition parties in the Lok Sabha did not hold back in expressing their profound concerns and criticisms regarding the circumstances that necessitated this move. Their arguments centered on what they perceived as the central government's failure to effectively manage the ethnic tensions in Manipur, leading to a prolonged period of violence and instability that ultimately required the imposition of direct central rule.
A primary point of contention was the timing of the parliamentary debate on such a critical issue. DMK's Kanimozhi strongly objected to the discussion being scheduled at 2 am, questioning the government's sensitivity towards the plight of the people in Manipur. She argued that choosing such an unusual hour for the debate indicated a lack of respect for the gravity of the situation and the suffering endured by the affected communities. This sentiment was shared by other opposition members, who felt that the late-night timing limited the opportunity for thorough scrutiny and public awareness of the discussion.
Furthermore, Kanimozhi raised doubts about the actual effectiveness of President's Rule in addressing the underlying issues in Manipur, especially considering reports of continued violence and casualties even after its initial imposition. This suggested a skepticism about whether the mere transfer of administrative power to the central government would be sufficient to quell the deep-seated ethnic divisions and restore lasting peace.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, while stating his party's support for President's Rule as a current necessity, argued that its imposition was significantly delayed, occurring after nearly two years of escalating violence and alleged inaction by both the state and central governments. He suggested that the timing of President's Rule, following the resignation of the Chief Minister amidst a looming no-confidence motion, indicated a reactive measure rather than a proactive strategy to address the crisis. Tharoor also emphasized the need for a more visible and impactful intervention from the highest levels of the government, suggesting that a visit by the Prime Minister to Manipur could contribute significantly to restoring confidence and fostering reconciliation.
A significant concern raised by Tharoor was the alarming issue of looted arms and ammunition from state armories, with estimates suggesting that around 60,000 firearms and over 600,000 rounds of ammunition had been illicitly obtained. This massive proliferation of weapons was seen as a major impediment to restoring lasting peace and a potential source of future violence. He criticized those responsible for maintaining law and order for their apparent failure to secure these armories, highlighting the severe breakdown of the security apparatus in the state.
Supriya Sule of the NCP (SCP) also voiced her dissatisfaction with the prevailing situation in Manipur despite the imposition of President's Rule. While acknowledging Home Minister Amit Shah's past successes in handling sensitive security situations, she expressed hope for a more robust and effective intervention to bring about genuine peace and ensure a conducive environment for fair elections in the future. Other opposition leaders echoed the need for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes dialogue between the warring communities, promotes inclusivity, and actively works towards ending the insurgency that has plagued the state.
Security Operations and Law Enforcement
In the 24-hour period leading up to April 3, 2025, security forces in Manipur continued their efforts to maintain law and order and recover illicit arms and explosives across the state. These operations, as reported by the Manipur Police, involved extensive search operations and area domination exercises conducted in the sensitive fringe and vulnerable areas of both hill and valley districts.
On April 2, specific search operations in Mollum village and its surrounding areas under the jurisdiction of the Churachandpur police station resulted in the recovery of two Baofeng handheld radio sets and one BP (Bullet Proof) Jacket equipped with a protective plate. Additionally, in the Khangabok Loukol area, which falls under the Thoubal police station, security forces recovered a Carbine rifle along with three magazines and fifty rounds of live 9mm ammunition. These recoveries underscore the continued presence of unauthorized weapons in the region, despite the claims of a lull in violence over the past four months, suggesting that efforts to disarm individuals and groups involved in the conflict are ongoing but have yet to be fully successful.
Beyond the recovery of arms and equipment, security forces also apprehended several individuals in connection with insurgent activities and drug trafficking. One active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) (KCP-PWG), identified as Khoirom Deepsea Devi, was arrested in the Imphal West district. In a separate operation in the Imphal East district, an active cadre of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), identified as Thounaojam Sachindra Singh, was also taken into custody. Furthermore, in the Bishnupur district, security forces arrested Faiju Rahaman for the possession of suspected brown sugar, seizing twelve soap caps containing a total of approximately 661.8 grams of the substance. These arrests highlight the multifaceted security challenges in Manipur, where the issues of insurgency and drug trafficking appear to be interconnected, potentially contributing to the overall instability in the state.
In addition to these targeted operations, security forces also focused on ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential goods and supplies throughout Manipur. This involved securing National Highway-2 and National Highway-37, the crucial lifelines for the state, to facilitate the passage of vehicles carrying essential commodities. Strict security protocols were implemented in vulnerable locations, and security convoys were provided in sensitive stretches to guarantee the safe and free movement of these vehicles. To further maintain vigilance and control, a total of 112 checkpoints were established across various districts of Manipur, covering both the hill and valley regions. Despite these extensive security measures and operations, the Manipur Police reported that no individuals were detained in connection with violations in different districts of the state during this particular 24-hour period. The overall assessment provided by the police indicated that the situation in Manipur remained tense but under control.
Rehabilitation and Relief Efforts
Following the imposition of President's Rule, discussions regarding a comprehensive rehabilitation package for individuals displaced by the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur have gained momentum. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his address in the Lok Sabha, reiterated the central government's commitment to ensuring the safe and dignified return of all displaced persons to their homes. He stated that the government had already taken measures to provide essential provisions such as food, medicines, and medical care within the relief camps established for the displaced population. Recognizing the importance of education, particularly for the younger residents of the camps, arrangements for online education and the establishment of primary education classes within the camps have also been made.
Shah mentioned that discussions have been held with representatives from both the Meitei and Kuki communities, and the Ministry of Home Affairs is planning to convene a joint meeting in the near future to specifically address rehabilitation efforts. While the specifics of the rehabilitation package were not detailed in the news reports pertaining to April 3, 2025, context from a report dated March 11, 2025, reveals that the Manipur Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 had allocated ₹157 crore towards relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This budgetary allocation included provisions for temporary shelter facilities (₹15 crore), housing support for affected families (₹35 crore), relief operations (₹100 crore), and compensation to those affected by the conflict (₹7 crore). This pre-existing financial commitment underscores the government's recognition of the significant humanitarian crisis and the ongoing need for substantial resources to support the affected population. The discussions highlighted by the Home Minister on April 3rd likely build upon this budgetary framework, aiming to develop a more detailed and comprehensive plan for the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of displaced individuals.
Reactions to President's Rule
The imposition of President's Rule in Manipur has elicited a spectrum of reactions from the state's diverse communities and political stakeholders. For the Kuki Zo community, represented by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), the decision was largely welcomed as a positive development. An ITLF leader described President's Rule as a "ray of hope" for the Kuki Zo people, suggesting that it could pave the way for a more equitable and lasting political solution to the ongoing conflict. This sentiment stems from a deep-seated lack of trust in the Meitei-dominated state leadership, with the community expressing that the appointment of a new Meitei Chief Minister would not provide them with the comfort or assurance they seek. The ITLF believes that President's Rule will create a more conducive environment for addressing their grievances and initiating meaningful political dialogue.
In contrast, the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei group, sharply criticized the Centre's decision to impose President's Rule. They viewed the move as undemocratic and potentially further destabilizing for the state, especially considering that the BJP-led government had held an absolute majority in the state assembly. COCOMI questioned the timing and the underlying intentions behind the dismissal of their own party's government, suggesting that instead of addressing the core issues, the central government was unfairly blaming its own legislators for incompetence. This reaction highlights the Meitei community's apprehension about central rule and their preference for a locally elected government, even amidst the ongoing crisis.
Politically, the Congress party also expressed its disapproval of the manner in which the government handled the confirmation of President's Rule in the Lok Sabha. They accused the government of "bulldozing" the resolution through the House, particularly by scheduling the debate in the early hours of the morning with limited time for discussion. This was described as "adding insult to injury" to the already precarious situation in Manipur, with the Congress criticizing the Prime Minister for his continued absence from the state while focusing on international engagements.
Other Relevant News
On the same day that the Lok Sabha confirmed President's Rule in Manipur, the House also passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after an extensive debate that lasted over twelve hours and concluded in the early hours of the morning. This lengthy discussion on another significant piece of legislation directly preceded the debate and vote on the Manipur resolution. The fact that the sensitive issue of President's Rule in Manipur was taken up immediately after such a protracted session on the Waqf Bill likely contributed to the opposition's criticism regarding the late-night timing and the perceived lack of adequate time for deliberation on Manipur.
Conclusion
The key development concerning Manipur on April 3, 2025, was the formal confirmation of President's Rule by the Lok Sabha. This parliamentary endorsement underscores the central government's direct involvement in the administration of the state, a consequence of the prolonged ethnic violence and political instability. While the resolution received broad support in Parliament, it was accompanied by significant criticism from opposition parties regarding the central government's handling of the crisis and the timing of the debate. Home Minister Amit Shah presented the government's perspective, highlighting the recent lull in violence and ongoing efforts for peace and rehabilitation, while also contextualizing the conflict within the broader history of ethnic tensions in Manipur.
The reactions to President's Rule have been varied, reflecting the deep divisions within the state. The Kuki Zo community has expressed hope that central rule will pave the way for a more favorable political settlement, while the Meitei community has largely viewed it as an unwelcome imposition on their democratic mandate. The continued recovery of illicit arms and the arrests of insurgents and drug traffickers highlight the persistent security challenges in the state, even amidst discussions of rehabilitation and peace. The passage of the Waqf Bill immediately preceding the Manipur debate suggests a packed legislative agenda, which may have contributed to the contentious timing of the discussion on President's Rule. Ultimately, the events of April 3, 2025, underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the Manipur crisis and the long and challenging path that lies ahead in restoring lasting peace and normalcy to the region.