Rajya Sabha Backs President’s Rule in Manipur Amid Fierce Criticism of Centre’s Handling of Violence

New Delhi, April 4, 2025 – The Rajya Sabha early Friday approved the statutory resolution confirming President’s Rule in Manipur, drawing rare cross-party support but also sparking fierce criticism of the Centre’s failure to control the prolonged ethnic violence in the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the decision, stating that violence in the state has ceased since November 2024. He also noted that two meetings between Kuki and Meitei communities have taken place, with a third likely soon in Delhi.

Shah acknowledged the loss of 260 lives, stating that 70% of the deaths occurred within the first 15 days of the conflict. He insisted that the government was working to restore peace, and highlighted a significant reduction in violence during the Modi government’s tenure compared to the previous Congress-led administration.

The opposition, however, blasted the Centre’s handling of the crisis. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of watching in silence as Manipur burned for nearly two years. He said more than 260 people have been killed, 4,700 homes set ablaze, and over 13,000 structures—including schools and hospitals—destroyed since the violence began in 2023.

Kharge called the BJP’s “double-engine” governance a failure, claiming it delivered “bloodshed, division, and economic collapse” instead of stability. He urged Prime Minister Modi to visit the state, meet affected citizens, and take steps to rebuild law and order.

TMC, AAP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs echoed these concerns. Sanjay Singh (AAP) demanded that elections be restored in the state, while Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT) also urged the Prime Minister to take direct action.

Shah pushed back at opposition criticism, citing violent incidents in opposition-ruled states. He referenced the assault on women in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, and the 250 political killings there, accusing the TMC government of inaction. He also claimed that from 2004 to 2014, Congress saw over 11,000 incidents of violence, while under Modi, the figure dropped by 70%.

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, four days after Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned. Under Article 356 of the Constitution, Parliament must approve the proclamation within two months—a requirement fulfilled by Friday’s Rajya Sabha resolution.

As political tensions grow, demands for a full inquiry, a white paper, and a Prime Ministerial visit remain unresolved.