NEW DELHI, April 3: The Lok Sabha early Thursday adopted a Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur, with opposition parties supporting the decision but criticizing the Centre for the situation in the state.

Replying to a short debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the government has taken all possible measures to restore normalcy in the restive northeastern state. He asserted that there has been no violence in Manipur for the past four months and that discussions were ongoing with both Meitei and Kuki communities to achieve a peaceful resolution.

“By and large, the situation is peaceful. As long as people are in camps, I would not say the situation is satisfactory. The government is taking all possible steps to restore peace in Manipur,” Shah said.

He attributed the beginning of the ethnic violence in Manipur to an order of the state’s high court. “The day the order came, we sent the central forces by air. There was no delay on our part in taking action,” he said.

Shah reported that 260 people have died since the violence began in May 2023, with 80 percent of them losing their lives within the first month. He compared the current crisis with past conflicts, citing clashes between the Naga and Kuki communities in the 1990s that lasted five years, resulting in 750 deaths. He also referenced the Kuki-Paite clashes of 1997-98, which claimed 352 lives, and the Meitei-Pangal clashes of the 1990s, in which over 100 people died.

Shah said that an incorrect impression had been created that violence erupted only under BJP rule. “Neither the then prime minister nor the then home minister visited Manipur during those previous conflicts,” he added.

During the debate, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said his party supported the resolution but called for the restoration of peace and stability. “End insurgency, restore peace and stability, promote dialogue with each other, promote inclusivity,” he urged.

Sayani Ghosh of the Trinamool Congress stated that her party also supported the resolution but emphasized the need for early peace restoration. DMK’s K Kanimozhi criticized what she called “divisive politics” and stressed the importance of bringing back normalcy and forming an elected government.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant voiced concerns over the prevailing situation and insisted that peace must be restored. NCP (SCP) member Supriya Sule expressed disapproval of President’s Rule, saying it is not good for democracy and called for a “strong intervention” by the home minister to bring back normalcy.

The resolution, titled ‘Consideration on the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th February 2025 under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur,’ was adopted by a voice vote in the House.