New Delhi, July 26: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha to extend President’s Rule in the northeastern state of Manipur for an additional six months, as the region continues to grapple with ethnic unrest and security challenges.
According to the Rajya Sabha bulletin, Shah’s notice to extend central rule was admitted for discussion on Thursday (July 24), but the House was adjourned around 2:15 p.m. following Opposition protests over the Election Commission’s special revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The resolution seeks parliamentary approval for the continuance of the proclamation issued on February 13, 2025, under Article 356 of the Constitution, for a further period starting August 13. President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9.
Under Article 356(3), such proclamations can be extended in six-month intervals, subject to parliamentary approval, for up to three years.
The Hindu reported earlier this month that the central government is likely to extend the rule as it focuses on restoring security and re-establishing vital road connectivity in the conflict-hit state. Officials are also working to recover over 6,000 police weapons looted during the violence.
Manipur has remained volatile since May 2023, when clashes erupted between the Kuki-Zo tribal groups and the Meitei community. The violence has claimed at least 250 lives and displaced over 60,000 people from their homes.
Two key highways — National Highways 2 and 37 — which serve as lifelines connecting Imphal Valley with Nagaland and Assam, pass through Kuki-Zo dominated areas. Since the outbreak of violence, access to these routes has remained disrupted for Meitei residents, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the landlocked state.
The government continues to prioritise reopening these routes and restoring law and order, as it prepares to maintain central administration in the troubled region.
