Manipur Crisis Persists as Centre Proposes Extension of President’s Rule Amid Unrest

In a significant move reflecting the ongoing crisis in Manipur, the Central Government has decided to extend President’s Rule in the northeastern state for another six months. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to table the resolution in the Rajya Sabha today, seeking parliamentary approval for the extension. The decision comes in the wake of continued instability, sporadic violence, and the inability of the state’s civil administration to fully regain control.

The extension of President’s Rule suggests that the Union Government sees no immediate resolution to the complex ethnic and security crisis that has plagued the state for more than a year. As tensions between communities remain high, and normal governance continues to be disrupted, the Centre has opted to continue administering the state directly through the Governor.

Why the Extension?

Manipur has been reeling under severe unrest since May 2023, when violent ethnic clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. What began as a dispute over Scheduled Tribe status and land rights escalated into widespread violence, destruction of homes, displacement of thousands, and a breakdown of law and order. Despite multiple attempts at peace talks, the situation has remained volatile.

The imposition of President’s Rule in January this year was seen as a last resort after repeated failures to restore peace under the state government’s leadership. Since then, the Union Government has been directly overseeing governance in Manipur. However, with fresh incidents of violence reported in recent months, and displaced populations still residing in relief camps, the government has assessed that an extension is necessary to maintain stability.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to defend the extension in the Upper House by highlighting ongoing threats to internal security, the fragile communal atmosphere, and the unfinished process of reconciliation.

Ground Situation Still Fragile

Though the frequency of violence has somewhat reduced since the deployment of additional central forces and curfews in sensitive areas, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Armed groups still operate in the peripheries of the state, and civilian trust in local policing has not yet been restored. Relief and rehabilitation efforts have also been slow, with many displaced families continuing to live in overcrowded shelters.

Recent reports from civil society groups, as well as independent observers, point to a continuing atmosphere of fear, especially in the hill districts and some pockets of the Imphal Valley. Cross-community mistrust, blockades on highways, and selective targeting of civilians have continued to hamper recovery.

There have also been concerns about internet shutdowns and curbs on free expression in the region, further limiting the flow of reliable information from the ground. Amid this climate, the Centre appears to have chosen administrative continuity over an early reinstatement of elected leadership.

Political Implications

The decision to extend President’s Rule is politically sensitive. The ruling BJP is in power both at the Centre and in the state, and the move reflects a tacit acknowledgment of administrative failure in Manipur under the party’s leadership. While some party leaders have attempted to distance themselves from the crisis by placing blame on “external forces” or “anti-national elements,” others within the government have expressed quiet concern over the political cost of continued unrest.

Opposition parties, meanwhile, are expected to raise strong objections in the Rajya Sabha when the resolution is introduced. Leaders from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and DMK have already voiced criticism, accusing the Centre of mishandling the situation and allowing the conflict to spiral out of control.

The Congress, in particular, is likely to question why the state leadership has not been held accountable, and why a political solution has not yet been arrived at. There are also likely to be calls for greater transparency in the Centre’s approach to dialogue and mediation.

Humanitarian Crisis Far from Over

The human cost of the conflict continues to mount. According to unofficial estimates, over 60,000 people have been displaced since the outbreak of violence. Many of these individuals remain in temporary camps, where access to basic amenities such as clean water, healthcare, and education is severely restricted.

Several NGOs and international human rights organizations have drawn attention to the psychological trauma suffered by survivors, particularly women and children. Cases of gender-based violence, including rape and harassment, have also been reported, though many remain uninvestigated due to a lack of trust in law enforcement agencies.

With the extension of President’s Rule, civil society groups have urged the Centre to prioritize humanitarian relief and reconciliation efforts alongside security enforcement. There is a growing sentiment that militarized peacekeeping alone cannot solve the deep-seated ethnic and political grievances.

Governor’s Role and Administrative Outlook

Under President’s Rule, the Governor of Manipur serves as the chief administrator of the state. Since the initial imposition of the rule, the Governor’s office has overseen all executive functions, with guidance from the Union Home Ministry. This includes security operations, welfare initiatives, and coordination between central agencies operating in the region.

Critics argue that this arrangement has reduced local representation and created a democratic vacuum in the state. With no active legislative assembly and limited input from elected officials, there are growing concerns over accountability, policy-making, and the long-term political future of Manipur.

The Home Minister is expected to outline in Parliament the roadmap for eventual normalization, including plans for holding elections and re-establishing the democratic process. However, as of now, no concrete timeline has been provided.

A Search for Long-Term Solutions

Beyond the administrative decision to extend President’s Rule, the deeper challenge lies in reconciling the fractured communities in Manipur. The ethnic strife is rooted in decades-old issues of land rights, identity politics, and regional marginalization. Any meaningful peace will require inclusive dialogue, equitable development, and a willingness to address historical grievances.

There have been some behind-the-scenes peace-building efforts led by community elders, retired officials, and NGOs, but these have yet to bear fruit at a broader level. The central and state governments will need to empower such initiatives and support institutional frameworks for conflict resolution.

Furthermore, many policy experts are urging a relook at the Northeast as a whole—emphasizing that the problems in Manipur are part of a larger pattern of neglect, underrepresentation, and poor infrastructure. Investment in education, health, and youth employment, they argue, could play a pivotal role in preventing future crises.

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, as proposed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reflects the ongoing uncertainty and fragility of the state’s law and order situation. While the move may offer short-term administrative control, it also raises urgent questions about governance, accountability, and the lack of a political roadmap to restore peace.

As Parliament debates the resolution, what’s at stake is more than just procedural approval—it is the future of one of India’s most sensitive and strategically located states. The path forward must be one of inclusive dialogue, sustained peace-building, and a commitment to justice and democracy.