President’s rule has been imposed in Manipur on Thursday, just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his position. Singh stepped down following nearly 21 months of ethnic violence in the state, which led to over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that President Droupadi Murmu had concluded that “a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.” The notification, invoking Article 356 of the Constitution, proclaimed that President Murmu would assume all functions of the Manipur government and the powers vested in the state’s Governor. Additionally, the state assembly has been placed under suspended animation.
Singh submitted his resignation to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal on February 9, one day before the state assembly was set to begin its budget session, which was subsequently canceled. In his resignation letter, Singh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Manipur and acknowledged the central government’s support in managing the state’s interests.
The resignation followed a Supreme Court order for a central forensics lab to investigate leaked audio tapes, allegedly featuring Singh, in which he is purportedly heard saying that the ethnic violence was incited at his urging. Since his resignation, BJP lawmakers in Manipur have been holding multiple meetings with the party’s northeast coordinator, Sambit Patra, to find a suitable successor, but have yet to reach a consensus on the next Chief Minister.
The ethnic violence in Manipur, which began with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has spread throughout the state, claiming around 250 lives. The opposition and Kuki community groups have held Singh accountable for escalating the violence. Opposition parties have also criticized the BJP for removing Singh “belatedly,” suggesting the decision was driven by the need to prevent the collapse of the government and avoid repercussions from the Supreme Court.
