IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

26 Jul 2025 : Healing Manipur

 Editorial 2: ​Healing Manipur

Context

A delicate peace requires political leaders to commit to true reconciliation.

 

Introduction

The decline in misuse of President’s Rule since the 1990s marks a positive shift in India’s federal politics, driven by the S.R. Bommai verdict, stronger regional parties, and public awareness. However, its recent extension in Manipurhighlights an ongoing constitutional breakdown, worsened by ethnic conflict and fragile governance following the collapse of the BJP-led state government.

 

Decline in Misuse of President’s Rule

  • The use of President’s Rule, once often politically misused by the Centre, has significantly decreased since the 1990s.
  • This shift is attributed to:
    • The landmark S.R. Bommai judgment,
    • The emergence of regional parties with national influence,
    • Growing public disapproval of its misuse.
  • Today, President’s Rule is mostly applied in cases of:
    • Constitutional crises or
    • Grave internal security threats, such as in Manipur.
  • Recently, its extension in Manipur (from August 13) drew little opposition due to ongoing instability.

 

Complex Ground Situation in Manipur

  • Following the resignation of CM N. Biren Singh and the fall of the BJP government, a tenuous calm has emerged.
  • Crackdown on militant groups has reduced open violence.
  • Some displaced families from the May 2023 conflict have begun returning.
  • However, serious issues persist:
    • Ethnic divisions remain entrenched between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
    • Buffer zones still segregate communities physically.
    • Kuki-Zo groups demand a separate administration.
    • Hardline Meitei groups label fellow citizens as "outsiders".

 

Need for Balanced Administrative and Political Measures

  • Administrative steps should focus on:
    • Disarming ethnic militias,
    • Ending the climate of impunity,
    • Supporting moderate voices pushing for peace.
  • Civil society activists were earlier targeted for challenging biased governance.
  • Rule of law must be paired with political action to be effective.
  • Despite its past electoral support across communities, the BJP has failed to mend ethnic divisions.
    • This is largely due to the national leadership's detachment, leaving the matter to bureaucrats and security personnel.
  • While President’s Rule may be necessary for now, success must not be judged merely by reduced violence.
  • The Centre must take proactive steps to heal ethnic divides.
  • Lasting peace in Manipur depends on:
    • The political will of parties and civil society,
    • A collective effort to defy extremism and pursue reconciliation.

 

Conclusion

While President’s Rule ensures administrative order, sustainable peace in Manipur requires more. The Centre must lead with political initiatives, encourage civil society engagement, and address ethnic grievances with empathy. Relying solely on security forces or bureaucrats will not heal divisions. A unified effort by political actors is essential to achieve reconciliation, justice, and a truly inclusive democracy.