Unrest Lingers: On President's Rule Extension in Manipur

The government of India seems to have learned its lesson, though the hard way, and realised the severity and fragility of the situation in Manipur following the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities. With much reluctance, the centre imposed President's Rule in the violence-torn state earlier this year, after more than one-and-a-half years of unrest that killed over 250 people and rendered some 60,000 homeless. Now, it is in no mood to lift it despite demands for the return of a popular government. Lok Sabha passed a resolution on Wednesday, approving extension of President's Rule in the state by another six months beyond August 13, citing its importance in restoration of peace. The central government said that the law and order situation has improved, with only one fatality reported since the imposition of President's Rule in February this year. This is a commendable shift from frequent clashes between the two warring communities that resulted in loss of lives at regular intervals since the eruption of conflict on May 3, 2023. It also exposed the shortcomings of the governments -- Centre and state -- in dealing with the crisis, making one wonder about the possible scenario had it listened to the cries of the citizens early on. Perhaps many lives could have been saved and the situation put under control. Alas, the centre’s effort was too little too late, though it’s better late than never. After being bitten once, it is now twice shy and unwilling to risk the possibilities of undoing the gains made over the last few months.

It may be recalled that the Home Minister had earlier assured lifting the President's Rule as soon as the situation in Manipur is normalised. So, by extending it for six more months, the centre has acknowledged that the state is yet to return to normalcy, which is true. Peace efforts and dialogues have failed to break the deadlock. On the ground, people from the two warring communities still dare not venture into each other’s territories for many reasons, particularly the existence of non-state armed groups. The centre surely has a good reason to extend President's Rule in the state considering the underlying tension. However, concerted effort should be made to revoke it. But then, doing so by inviting the current legislators, who terribly failed to arrest the crisis from escalating, to form the government, or conducting a fresh election without addressing the elephant in the room, will prove ineffective. New Delhi should come up with a mechanism to bring a permanent solution. And in doing so, the Naga community should be taken on board for any settlement. The triangular uneasy calm between the three major communities – Meteis, Nagas and Kukis -- of the state demands prompt response. Mistaking the prevailing uneasy calm for peace can prove costly.