This follows the installation of President’s rule on February 13, 2025, when political turmoil led to the resignation of N Biren Singh as Chief Minister.
The Union Home Minister has moved a statutory resolution in the Parliament for the extension of the President’s Rule in Manipur for six months, from August 13, 2025, to February 13, 2026. The move comes in light of prolonged instability in the northeastern state, where the opposition and ethnic violence have hampered the normal governance process.
The President’s Rule was first imposed on February 13, 2025, after N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister amid tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which had first burst forth in violence in May 2023. Since then, more than 250 lives have been lost and over 60,000 displaced, with fragile law and order prevailing till today in various districts.
Shah’s resolution has been accepted for both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with a debate expected soon. The move further suggests that the Centre believes that Manipur is still not ripe for a return to a democratic government. The assembly is still under suspended animation, and various attempts to install a new government have so far failed due to fractured community relations and resistance from both tribal and valley-based leaders.
Following a report from the state governor, President Droupadi Murmu declared President’s rule in Manipur in February. After almost two years of political unrest and bloodshed in the state, Singh resigned.
The ‘Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024’ will be moved by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, in conjunction with Amit Shah’s motion to prolong the President’s rule.
Ongoing Unrest and Political Uncertainty
The extension moves come at a time when the state is reeling under ethnic and regional unrest, while Central forces continue to maintain an intimidating security presence in many volatile zones, such as Imphal West, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur and Chandel.
Peace remains an elusive state, and many local leaders, from the BJP and its allies, have raised concerns about continued Central control. Some Meitei and Naga MLAs argue that the President’s Rule has not addressed the causes of the conflict and has alienated their constituents. However, the Centre seems to take a rather slow move towards restoring a state government so as to not add to the fuel of fresh tension.
The extension of President’s Rule, under Article 356 of the Constitution, may be renewed by the Parliament every six months for a continuous span of three years. If this extension is passed, it shall complete a total of one year of Federal rule in present context, during which the debates in the Parliament will be largely dominated by discussions about state autonomy, ethnic reconciliation and how the Centre managed the crisis.
In addition, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Lok Sabha MP PP Chaudhary will propose a motion to suggest that the Rajya Sabha designate one member for the joint parliamentary committee on One Nation One Election following P. Wilson’s retirement.
“SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY SMT. PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA to move the following:- “That this House do recommend to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do appoint one Member of Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the vacancy caused by the retirement of Shri P. Wilson from Rajya Sabha and communicate to this House the name of the Member so appointed by Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee,” the statement reads.
