After the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha, a discussion regarding the situation in Manipur commenced shortly after midnight, leading to the approval of President’s Rule in the state through a voice vote. This discussion lasted around one and a quarter hours, during which members of the opposition criticized the central government’s handling of the situation. The Rajya Sabha ultimately endorsed the statutory resolution for President’s Rule at four in the morning after the Lok Sabha had already approved it the previous day.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the discussions by asserting that the situation in Manipur is improving. He announced that a dialogue process would commence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with the assurance that President’s Rule would be lifted once normalcy is restored. Amit Shah explained that President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of the Chief Minister on February 11, when no party could stake a claim to form a government. He clarified that a no-confidence motion was not the reason for this imposition; rather, it was due to the absence of a governing body after the Chief Minister’s resignation.
Shah emphasized that violence had diminished before the imposition of President’s Rule and continues to be absent. He delineated between violence among communities and armed insurrections against the country, such as Naxalite violence, mentioning that while ethnic violence had occurred in Manipur, it was well known and the broader violence in regions like Bengal warranted scrutiny as well.
In response to criticisms from the opposition, particularly from Kharge, who disputed the notion that the imposition of President’s Rule stemmed from electoral defeats, Shah defended the government’s record, suggesting that there had been a 70% drop in violence in the northeast since 2014 under the current administration. He noted that numerous peace agreements had been reached with militant organizations, resulting in the surrender of over 10,000 youth.
Shah affirmed that while the first 15 days of violence in Manipur were particularly deadly, the government had managed to regain control afterward. He condemned violence in all forms, underscoring that it is inadmissible regardless of which political party is in power. He also referenced historical instances of prolonged violence, such as the seven months of unrest in 1993, and characterized the violence in Manipur as ethnic rather than political, emphasizing that it should not be politicized.
Shah indicated that the ongoing violence in Manipur is primarily rooted in ethnic disputes, sparked by a court ruling concerning reservations. Notably, the Supreme Court issued a stay on this ruling the very next day. Following the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur, Shah observed that the situation is progressively improving. He expressed optimism that members of both communities would pursue peace and engage in constructive dialogue, which would ideally lead to the eventual lifting of President’s rule. In light of these developments, Shah urged the House to endorse the imposition of President’s rule, which was subsequently approved by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.
During discussions on the statutory proposal regarding President’s rule, the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighted the gravity of the situation in Manipur. He asserted the necessity for a resolution and called upon the Prime Minister to visit Manipur personally to assess the situation firsthand. Kharge pointed out that while Supreme Court judges and various NGOs have made visits to the region, the Prime Minister has yet to do so, marking this as a significant concern.
In the midst of this important debate, various members from opposing parties contributed their perspectives. BJP member Dr. Ajit Madhavrao Gopchande articulated his viewpoints, while All India Trinamool Congress’s Derek O’Brien, CPI(M)’s A.A. Rahim, DMK’s Dr. Kanimozhi N.V.N. Somu, Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Sanjay Singh, RJD’s Sanjay Yadav, IUML’s Abdul Wahab, CPI’s Sandoosh Kumar P., and Priyanka Chaturvedi also joined the discussion, reflecting a united yet diverse concern for the situation in Manipur.
The overall sentiment in the House emphasizes the need for urgent and effective intervention to address the ethnic violence that has beset Manipur. The leaders expressed a desire for transparency and engagement from the highest levels of government, advocating for a solution that prioritizes the welfare and peace of the communities involved. As the situation evolves, the collective hope remains that leaders from all sides will work collaboratively toward a peaceful resolution, ultimately restoring normalcy and harmony to the region. The House’s support for President’s rule is presented as a necessary initial step in this ongoing effort to stabilize Manipur.
