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Context

President's Rule in Manipur has been extended for another six months, beginning August 13, 2025, amidst an ongoing ethnic strife between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups.

About the President's Rule in Manipur

• Trigger of Imposition: The imposition of President's Rule in Manipur came after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned and the BJP government collapsed in the wake of widespread violence in May 2023. 
• Constitutional Basis: President's Rule, enacted under Article 356 of the Constitution, takes effect when a state government fails to function constitutionally. 
• Administrative Control Shift: Administrative power is transferred to the President, thereby putting the state under direct control of the Central Government.
• Historical Misuse and Safeguards: The Centre has frequently misused this clause for political purposes. 
• The S.R. Bommai decision in 1994 considerably limited this misuse by requiring judicial review and parliamentary permission, making its usage rare and reserved for serious constitutional failures or grave internal security difficulties, as seen in Manipur. 
• Justification in Manipur's Context: Given the continuous instability, ethnic tensions, and administrative paralysis, the current implementation and extension of President's Rule is widely accepted as a vital step toward restoring order.

Decline in Misuse of President’s Rule

1. S.R. Bommai Judgment (1994) – Judicial Review
   
   
• The Supreme Court ruled that the President’s decision under Article 356 is subject to judicial review.
  
  
• Set a precedent against arbitrary dismissal of State governments.
  
  
• Example: Prevented political misuse similar to past dismissals.
  
  
2. Rise of Coalition Politics and Regional Parties
   
   
• Since the 1990s, regional parties like TDP, DMK, TMC became vital in national coalitions (UPA/NDA).
  
  
• This reduced the Centre’s dominance, limiting chances of politically motivated President’s Rule.
  
  
3. Increased Public Awareness and Media Scrutiny
   
   
• Media vigilance and civil society activism discouraged misuse.
  
  
• Example: Protests and legal actions followed the controversial imposition in Uttarakhand (2016).
  
  
4. Strengthening Federal Values and Political Maturity
   
   
• A maturing democracy fostered greater respect for federalism.
  
  
• Even in politically complex States like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, elected governments were allowed to function despite crises.
  
  
5. Legal and Political Repercussions
   
   
• Judicial reversals and reputational damage make misuse risky.
  
  
• Example: Arunachal Pradesh (2016) – Supreme Court restored the dismissed government, exposing misuse.
  

Why President’s Rule Was Extended in Manipur

1. Continued Ethnic Conflict and Fragile Peace
   
   
• Ongoing tensions between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities remain unresolved.
  
  
• Though violence has decreased, buffer zones still separate groups, indicating fragility.
  
  
2. Political Vacuum
   
   
• Resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and collapse of the BJP government created a governance void, requiring central intervention.
  
  
3. Need for Security and Rule of Law
   
   
• Despite partial return of displaced families, de-weaponisation and control of militant groups are essential.
  
  
• President’s Rule enables strong administrative and security measures to restore normalcy.
  

Fragile Calm and Persistent Division

• Restoration of Relative Calm
  
  
• Since the imposition of President’s Rule, there has been a fragile reduction in violence.
  
  
• Crackdowns on militant groups have reduced open hostilities.
  
  
• Seizure of weapons has weakened illegal activities and enhanced public safety.
  
  
• Return of Displaced Families: Some of the 60,000 displaced families have started returning to their homes, showing gradual confidence-building.
  
  
• Persistent Ethnic Divide
  
  
• The Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities remain deeply divided.
  
  
• The state is geographically split by buffer zones, with Kuki-Zo in the hills and Meiteis in the plains.
  
  
• This physical segregation reflects a deep political divide.
  
  
• Clashing Political Aspirations
  
  
• Kuki-Zo groups demand separate administration and political autonomy.
  
  
• Meitei organisations consider Kuki-Zo citizens as “outsiders”, fueling an “us versus them” narrative.
  
  
• These polarised positions remain unresolved despite time passing.
  

Limitations of the Current Approach

• Overreliance on Bureaucracy and Security Forces
  
  
• The Central Government has delegated crisis management mainly to civil servants and security personnel.
  
  
• While crucial for restoring order, these measures are limited in scope.
  
  
• Bureaucrats lack moral authority and emotional connection to heal deep communal hatred.
  
  
• True healing and unity require empathetic political leadership, not just technocratic governance.
  
  
• Role of Political Leaders
  
  
• Elected leaders hold public trust and respect, enabling them to lead dialogue and reconciliation.
  
  
• Their active involvement is vital to break the cycle of ethnic animosity.
  
  
• Failure of Previous State Government
  
  
• The earlier government, despite initial support from both hills and valleys, failed to address ethnic hostility.
  
  
• The national leadership’s lack of urgency allowed the situation to be treated only as a law-and-order issue.
  

Rethinking Success Under President’s Rule

• Success cannot be defined only by reduced violence.
  
  
• It must be judged by whether it:
  
  
• Creates political space for long-term reconciliation.
  
  
• Promotes inclusive governance.
  
  
• Strengthens social cohesion.

Way Forward

• Foster Political Dialogue and Reconciliation: The Centre must adopt proactive political steps to bridge the ethnic gap, rather than leaving the situation solely to bureaucracy and security services. For example, a centrally directed peace process comprising both Meitei and Kuki-Zo factions can foster trust while preventing hardliner supremacy.
• Ensure the Rule of Law and Demilitarization: More action is needed to de-weaponize the region and combat militant groups that incite ethnic conflict.  For example, the crackdown on armed groups during President's Rule has reduced open violence and allowed displaced people to return home.
• Support Inclusive Civil Society Engagement: The Centre should empower moderate voices and civil society organizations working for peace and reconciliation.

Practice Question Q. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.