Rajya Sabha adopts resolution for President’s Rule in Manipur

The Rajya Sabha on Friday adopted a statutory resolution moved by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, for the approval of the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur.

Introducing the resolution, Shah stated that a no-confidence motion against the Manipur government was not brought because “the opposition did not have enough members to bring such a proposal.” He explained that following the resignation of the Chief Minister, the Governor held discussions with 37 BJP MLAs, six from NPP, five from NPF, one from JD(U), and five from Congress. “When most members expressed that they were not in a position to form a government, the Cabinet recommended the imposition of President’s Rule, which was accepted by the President,” he added.

Shah noted that President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, and emphasized that “there has been no violence in Manipur since December 2024 until today.” Dismissing what he called “misconceptions,” he said, “If we refer to the situation seven years ago, when the opposition government was in power in Manipur, the state experienced an average of 200 days of strikes, blockades, and curfews in a year, and more than 1,000 people were killed in encounters.” He also criticized the previous administration, noting that “the then Prime Minister had not visited Manipur” during that period.

Shah drew a distinction between ethnic violence and Naxalism, asserting that “when violence occurs between two communities, the approach to dealing with it is different from dealing with Naxals, who are armed and stand against the government and the people of the country.” He claimed that the opposition “fails to distinguish between these two forms of violence” and accused them of politicizing the issue. He also alleged a “double standard” by pointing out incidents of violence in Bengal, stating that “in Sandeshkhali and the RG Kar case, the opposition remained silent.” He further remarked that “260 people had died in ethnic violence in Manipur, but in Bengal, nearly 250 people were killed in election-related violence alone.”

Highlighting the Modi government’s efforts in the Northeast, Shah stated that between 2004 and 2014, “there were 11,327 violent incidents in the region, but in the ten years of the Modi government, these incidents have reduced by 70 per cent, dropping to 3,428.” He added that “there has been a 70 per cent decrease in the deaths of security forces and an 85 per cent reduction in civilian casualties.”

Shah also noted that “20 peace agreements have been signed in the Northeast, and over 10,000 youths have surrendered their weapons and embraced peace.”

Shah provided historical context, recalling past ethnic conflicts in Manipur, stating that “between 1993 and 1998, there was a five-year Naga-Kuki conflict, which resulted in 750 deaths and continued sporadically for a decade.” He added, “In 1997-98, the Kuki-Paite conflict destroyed more than 50 villages, displaced 13,000 people, killed 352, injured hundreds, and burned 5,000 homes.” Additionally, he noted that “in 1993, the Meitei-Pangal conflict lasted six months and left over 100 people dead.” He remarked that “even during these violent incidents, the then Prime Minister did not visit Manipur.”

According to Shah, “before the order of the Manipur High Court, there was not a single day of strikes or curfews in the seven years of governance in Manipur, and no violence had occurred.” He asserted that “ethnic violence between the tribal and non-tribal communities in Manipur began due to a decision by the High Court.” He further clarified, “This violence was neither a failure of the government, nor terrorism or religious conflict, but rather ethnic violence arising from the sense of insecurity spread between two communities due to the interpretation of the High Court’s decision.” He added that “the very next day, the Supreme Court stayed the order because it was deemed unconstitutional.”

Dismissing claims that President’s Rule was imposed to shield anyone from a no-confidence motion, Shah clarified, “After the imposition of President’s Rule, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who was the Home Secretary to the Government of India, was appointed as the Governor of Manipur, and now there is peace in the state.” He informed the House that “many meetings have already been held between both sides, and two meetings took place even during the ongoing session of the House.” He also mentioned that “another meeting between both communities is likely to take place soon in New Delhi.”

Expressing optimism, Shah stated, “I am confident that both communities will understand the situation and adopt the path of dialogue.” He assured that “as soon as the situation in Manipur normalizes, President’s Rule will be lifted immediately, as it is not the policy of our party to keep President’s Rule in place.”

Both Houses of Parliament adjourned sine die; Budget session concludes
Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die today. With this, the Budget Session of Parliament came to an end. The session commenced on 31st of January. In his valedictory address in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla highlighted that the House registered 118 percent productivity during the Budget Session, and passed 16 bills. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said the Upper House witnessed 119 percent productivity.

MT