The Narendra Modi government’s decision to extend President’s Rule in Manipur by another six months is not just constitutionally sound—it is politically prudent, morally justified, and strategically essential. At a time when the state was teetering on the edge of civil collapse, this move offers continued hope for peace, stability, and the restoration of trust in democratic governance. Let’s call a spade a spade. Manipur didn’t descend into chaos overnight. The embers of conflict were stoked by years of unresolved tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, exacerbated by unchecked illegal immigration from across the porous Indo-Myanmar border. When the proposal to extend Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the dominant Meitei community surfaced in early 2023, it triggered a firestorm of violent protest and ethnic resentment. By May 2023, the state was engulfed in one of the worst internal conflicts India had seen in decades. Homes were torched, villages were razed, churches and temples were desecrated, and nearly 200 people lost their lives. More than 60,000 were displaced, now languishing in relief camps for over 20 months. The BJP-led state government under N. Biren Singh was not just inept—it was accused of being partisan. Security forces were either absent or suspiciously inactive. Internet shutdowns, gag orders, and curfews only served to widen the trust deficit between communities. Governance had all but collapsed. Amid growing despair, it wasn’t just the political class but also civil society, veterans, student groups, and religious leaders who called for New Delhi to intervene decisively. Yet, the Centre initially hesitated—sending fact-finding teams, issuing statements, and deploying paramilitary forces without disturbing the political status quo. That phase of ambiguity only prolonged the suffering. It wasn’t until February 2024 that the Modi government finally stepped in to suspend the state government and impose President’s Rule. That was the turning point. For the first time, the Centre demonstrated neutrality and seriousness. The extension passed by the Rajya Sabha this week confirms that the government recognizes the complexities of the conflict and the need for continued administrative control.
And rightly so. Under the Governor’s supervision and with direct control from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, things have finally started to look up. The state has witnessed a visible decline in ethnic clashes. The buffer zones manned by central forces have held firm. Confidence-building measures are quietly underway. Relief and rehabilitation of the displaced—previously botched or ignored by the state—have now begun in earnest. Both Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups have acknowledged the reduced tensions under central rule. Crucially, the move has helped shift national attention away from political finger-pointing and towards genuine peace-building. The NDA government, often unfairly accused of favoring one group over the other, has now reset the discourse. The state’s fragile ethnic balance is no longer being toyed with by local strongmen and militant outfits. Hooligans from both sides—who earlier roamed with impunity—have been reined in. Constitutionally, Article 356 allows for President’s Rule in a state for up to three years, with parliamentary approval every six months. But legality aside, the moral legitimacy of this extension stems from the fact that people in Manipur—cut off from the national mainstream for too long—now feel protected, heard, and less manipulated. That matters more than any headline or soundbite. The opposition, unsurprisingly, is crying foul. Some parties argue this undermines democracy. But what democracy existed in Manipur between 2023 and early 2024? What functioning state government lets mobs burn homes while selectively deploying forces? What chief minister continues in office while one half of the population loses all trust in the administration? President’s Rule is not a permanent solution, nor should it become one. But for now, in Manipur’s case, it is a necessary medicine—bitter, yes, but effective. The Centre must use this extended period wisely: to ensure fair rehabilitation, initiate quiet but firm reconciliation talks, and create an atmosphere where genuine democratic elections can be held once normalcy returns. For now, the people of Manipur deserve continued protection and a break from toxic politics. By extending President’s Rule, the Modi government has made the right call for the state and the country.
