New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the President’s rule was imposed in Manipur at an appropriate time to restore normalcy in the state.
Shah has said the situation in Manipur is now relatively peaceful and the government is holding discussions with the Meitei and the Kuki communities, who are also talking among themselves, for establishing lasting peace.
“Now situation is relatively peaceful. Normal life has resumed. The Home Ministry has held separate meetings with both the communities. Both communities have also talked to each other. Gradually, things are moving in a positive direction. There is no reason for worry now,” he said.
“Unless both the communities accept it, President’s rule would not have been successful. When there was an appropriate time, we imposed it,” he said.
Following the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9, President’s Rule was imposed in the state.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification last month announcing the imposition of central rule, stating that President Droupadi Murmu has determined that the situation in the state has made it impossible for the government to function in accordance with the Constitution.
The notification, invoking Article 356 of the Constitution, confirmed that the President will assume all executive powers of the Manipur government, including those vested in or exercisable by the Governor.
ALSO READ: 13 political parties to urge Centre to defer delimitation exercise in Manipur
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based majority Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo tribals since May 2023.
The violence started after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
