Parliament extends President’s Rule in Manipur until February 2026 following improved law and order. Lok Sabha passed the resolution amid opposition concerns over governance. The Centre cites peace and controlled violence as justification, promising continued efforts for ethnic reconciliation and permanent peace in the northeastern state.
Manipur will continue to remain under President’s Rule for another six months, as the Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved a statutory resolution seeking its extension. The extension, effective from August 13, 2025, was moved by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, citing significant improvement in law and order since the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025.
The resolution is expected to be taken up for consideration by the Rajya Sabha soon.
Background and Developments
President’s Rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following escalating ethnic tensions and a breakdown in governance. Since then, the central government has administered the state directly through the Governor.
On the floor of the Lok Sabha, Nityanand Rai defended the government’s decision to extend the rule, asserting that the security and communal situation had substantially improved.
“In the last eight months, there has been only one incident of violence, which resulted in a single casualty,” Rai informed the House. “What can be a bigger proof of peace returning than the fact that in the last four months, no incident of violence has occurred?”
He emphasized that restoration of peace and communal harmony remains the government’s top priority. “Law and order are under control. Full efforts are being made to remove differences between the two ethnic communities through continuous dialogue. President’s Rule is necessary for ensuring permanent peace in the region.”
Opposition Voices Concerns
Despite the Centre’s optimistic report, several opposition members questioned the efficacy and intent behind the extension.
Anto Antony, a Congress MP, initiated the discussion and expressed deep concern over the prolonged governance vacuum in the state. “There is a complete collapse of administration in Manipur. The Centre has failed to restore democratic governance and ensure the return of an elected government,” he stated.
Echoing similar concerns, Lalji Verma of the Samajwadi Party alleged that the Centre was not doing enough to bring normalcy. “President’s Rule was meant to stabilize the situation, but it is now being used as a means to postpone accountability. The people of Manipur deserve democratic representation,” Verma argued.
Government’s Assurance
In response to these criticisms, Rai reaffirmed that the Centre remains committed to resolving the ethnic conflict and restoring peace through both administrative stability and community engagement.
“We want to ensure not just superficial peace, but a long-lasting resolution between the communities. This requires time and careful mediation. President’s Rule provides the necessary framework to act swiftly and fairly,” he said.
The minister also reiterated that the situation was closely monitored and that security forces remained vigilant across sensitive regions.
Looking Ahead
The continuation of President’s Rule in Manipur will allow the central administration to implement peace-building initiatives and infrastructural reforms without the political volatility of a fragile state government.
As the Rajya Sabha prepares to consider the resolution in the coming days, the move is widely expected to be approved, given the government’s parliamentary strength and the improved ground situation.
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Nevertheless, political watchers note that the Centre must strike a balance between administrative control and democratic restoration to avoid prolonged disenfranchisement of the people of Manipur.
