President's rule imposed in Manipur; Assembly put under suspended animation

Cong slams govt, says Prez rule in Manipur came after fabric of state's society 'severely damaged'

- NARESH BISWANI

NEW DELHI: The Central government imposed President's Rule in Manipur on Thursday, placing the state Assembly under suspended animation. This decision followed the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, which led to political uncertainty in the state.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification stating that the tenure of the Manipur Assembly, which runs until 2027, is now suspended. Singh, who led the BJP government, stepped down on February 9, submitting his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.

The governor had sent a report to President Droupadi Murmu, recommending Central rule in the state.

"After reviewing the report and other relevant information, I am convinced that governance in the state cannot continue as per the provisions of the Indian Constitution," the notification stated.

It continued: "Under the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, I hereby declare that all functions of the state government will be assumed by the President of India."

The notification clarified that legislative powers will now be exercised by or under the authority of Parliament and that references to the governor in constitutional matters will be considered references to the President.