Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur at the appropriate time to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state. Speaking at a summit on Friday night, Shah said, “Now the situation is relatively peaceful. Normal life has resumed. The Home Ministry has held separate meetings with both communities. Both communities have also talked to each other. Gradually, things are moving in a positive direction. There is no reason for worry now,” as reported by The Assam Tribune.
Shah emphasized that the situation in Manipur has significantly improved, with the government actively engaging in discussions with both the Meitei and Kuki communities. He noted that these communities have also started dialogue among themselves, which he said was key to establishing lasting peace.
Addressing concerns over the timing of the central rule’s imposition, Shah dismissed suggestions of any delay. “It’s easy to comment from a distance. Unless both communities accepted it, President’s Rule would not have been successful. When there was an appropriate time, we imposed it,” he stated.
Following the imposition of President’s Rule, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issued an appeal on February 20 for the surrender of illegal arms to restore peace. The governor urged individuals, particularly the youth, to surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition at the nearest police station, outpost, or security forces camp within seven days. The deadline was later extended by another week.