NEW DELHI, March 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that the President’s Rule in Manipur was imposed at an appropriate time. He further claimed that the situation is now relatively peaceful, especially since the government is holding discussions with the Meitei and the Kuki communities, who are also talking among themselves aiming for lasting peace.
“Now the situation is relatively peaceful. Normal life has resumed. The Home Ministry has held separate meetings with both communities. Both the communities have also talked to each other. Gradually, things are moving in a positive direction. There is no reason for worry now,” Shah said at the Times Now Summit 2025 on Friday night.
Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 2023, with clashes between the Imphal Valley-based majority Meiteis and the adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo tribals resulting in more than 260 deaths and leaving thousands homeless.
Addressing concerns over the timing of President’s Rule in Manipur, Shah dismissed allegations of delay, stating that it is easier to comment from afar without understanding the ground realities.
“Unless both communities accept it, President’s Rule would not have been successful. When there was an appropriate time, we have imposed it,” he said.
The Home Minister pointed out that Manipur has witnessed ethnic strife in the past, sometimes lasting as long as three to four years. He expressed confidence that the ongoing peace efforts, including dialogues between the two communities, are gradually improving the situation.
