President's rule imposed in strife-torn Manipur

Assembly under suspended animation

- AGENCIES

President's rule has been imposed in Manipur, days after BJP leader N Biren Singh resigned as state Chief Minister. Biren Singh resigned from his post on Sunday. The state has witnessed intermittent ethnic violence since May 2023.

The President's Rule was imposed after President Droupadi Murmu received a report from the state governor.

Announcing the proclamation of the Central rule, a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said President Droupadi Murmu is of the opinion that "a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution".

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all functions of the Government of the State of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that State," the notification said.

Violence had erupted between the Meitei and the Kuki communities in Manipur after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, following the Manipur High Court order directing the state to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.

In his resignation letter, Biren Singh had said it has been an honour to serve the people of Manipur.

"I am extremely grateful to the Central government for timely actions, interventions, developmental work and implementation of various projects for safeguarding the interest of every single Manipuri," he added.