NEW DELHI, July 30: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a statutory resolution extending President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months beyond August 13, even as the House witnessed stormy scenes with the Opposition accusing the Centre of abandoning the crisis-hit northeastern state.
The motion was moved by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who asserted that peace was returning to Manipur, with only one fatality reported in the last four months since the imposition of central rule.
“Law and order is under control. Dialogue is being prioritised to bridge the divide between the ethnic communities. President’s Rule is essential to bring back lasting peace,” said Rai during the debate. He added that the central government remained committed to resolving the situation and that efforts were underway to restore normalcy through reconciliation and administrative stability.
President’s Rule in Manipur was first imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid continuing ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Parliament had initially approved the imposition on April 2, and the extension now allows central governance to continue till February 2026.
However, the government’s claims of progress were met with sharp criticism from the Opposition, which launched a scathing attack during Zero Hour. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP-led Centre of “complete failure” and “deafening silence” on the prolonged ethnic conflict that has gripped the state since May 2023.
“Fifteen months have passed, and Manipur still burns. The Prime Minister has neither visited nor spoken on the issue. This is not governance; this is abandonment,” Gogoi declared, adding that extending President’s Rule was a way to postpone responsibility and suppress the people’s democratic rights.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy echoed similar sentiments, calling the Centre’s approach “callous and indifferent.” He stated that the government had failed “morally, constitutionally, and administratively,” and demanded greater transparency and urgency in peace efforts.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, countering the Opposition’s charges, said the government was not only monitoring the ground situation closely but also actively engaged in relief and peacebuilding operations. He accused the Opposition of politicising a sensitive issue and urged them to avoid inflaming tensions further.
“The Government of India has not turned its back on Manipur. We are working with dedication to address the complexities and heal divisions. Let’s not exploit the pain of the people for political mileage,” Rijiju said.
The heated exchanges forced Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene several times to maintain order, reminding members that the formal debate on President’s Rule was scheduled for later in the day. He urged MPs to engage in constructive dialogue rather than provocative rhetoric.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur, triggered by long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. Despite the deployment of security forces and repeated calls for peace from civil society groups, sporadic violence and mistrust continue to undermine reconciliation efforts.
