President's Rule imposed in Manipur days after Biren Singh resigned as CM

President's rule has been imposed in India's northeastern state of Manipur, and the state assembly has been put under suspended animation days after chief minister N Biren Singh stepped down from his post.

The move comes amid political uncertainty in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.

The decisionto impose the central rule came after the governor sent a report to President Droupadi Murmu.

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"After considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India," the notification said.

It further said, "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I - assume to myself as President of India all functions of the government of the state of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state."

The notification stated that the legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.

It further said that any reference in the Constitution to the governor shall, in relation to Manipur, be construed as a reference to the President.

Singh quit on Sunday (Feb 9) and submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal, hours after his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In his resignation letter, which he submitted to state governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan, Singh wrote, “It has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur thus far.”

“I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interests of every single Manipuri,” his letter further read.

His decision to step down came just a day after he said that his government is committed to restoring peace in the conflict-hit region. “The state government has been making all possible efforts to restore peace and to ensure that people live together peacefully as before,” news agency PTI quoted Singh as saying.

Violence in Manipur

Manipur, the northeast Indian state, remained gripped by recurring bouts of violence since ethnic clashes first erupted in May 2023.

The clashes have occurred over a number of issues that both sides have against the other. But the major issue turned out to be a move to give Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status.

In Manipur, Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.

(With inputs from agencies)