Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, seeking approval for the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. This move has ignited significant debate, with opposition parties questioning the timing and effectiveness of the government’s intervention. The resolution, introduced at 2 am, was passed through a voice vote following a 40-minute discussion. The President’s Rule aims to address the ongoing ethnic violence and restore peace and stability in the northeastern state.
Opposition Criticism of President’s Rule in Manipur
During the debate, eight opposition lawmakers, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, raised concerns about the delay in the government’s response to the crisis. Tharoor supported the imposition of President’s Rule but emphasized that it should be a means to bring lasting peace to Manipur. He criticized the government for its inaction, pointing out that the ethnic violence had lasted nearly two years before the resignation of the Chief Minister. Tharoor also highlighted the significant deterioration in law and order, with armed groups reportedly seizing 60,000 weapons and 600,000 rounds of ammunition from state armories.
Tharoor further criticized the government for the economic distress in the state and accused the administration of failing to control the growing unrest. His remarks focused on the lack of decisive action and the government’s delayed response to the escalating violence.
In response, Amit Shah defended the Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule, arguing that the government acted promptly to address the crisis. Shah emphasized that peace and stability had been significantly restored over the last four months, with no major incidents of violence recorded. He highlighted the steps taken by the government, including airlifting security forces to Manipur when tensions escalated following a high court order that led to differing interpretations among communities. Shah called for political unity to support the peace process and reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy in the state.
DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi criticized the government for holding the debate at 2 am, questioning its commitment to addressing the Manipur crisis. She raised concerns about women’s safety and the circulation of illegal arms in the state. Supriya Sule, a member of the NCP (SP), acknowledged Shah’s strong leadership in handling Kashmir, but expressed disappointment with the handling of Manipur, urging a fair electoral process and more decisive action.
Manipur: Political Turmoil and the Role of President’s Rule
The Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, four days after the resignation of Chief Minister Biren Singh amid growing political turmoil. Sources suggest that several BJP legislators were on the brink of crossing party lines, contributing to Singh’s resignation. The state assembly remains suspended, leaving room for potential government formation at a later stage.
The proclamation of President’s Rule requires approval from both Houses of Parliament within two months. Shah reaffirmed that the Centre is actively engaging with different groups in Manipur to bring about a lasting resolution to the ongoing unrest. As the political situation unfolds, the government’s response to the Manipur crisis continues to be a significant topic of discussion in Parliament and across the nation.
