New Delhi [India], July 25 (HBTV): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday moved a statutory resolution to extend the President's rule in Manipur until February 13, 2026.

‘That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated February 13, 2025, in respect of Manipur, issued under Article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from August 13, 2025,’ the Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Bulletin stated.

The Centre had imposed President's rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post on February 9.

This development comes months after 25 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs convened at the residence of party MLA Thongam Biswajit Singh in Imphal to push for the formation of a popular government in the state.

On May 28, around 10 MLAs — including eight from the BJP, one from the National People's Party (NPP), and one Independent — met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal to stake a claim to form a new government.

In February, President Droupadi Murmu imposed President's rule in the state after receiving a report from the Governor. Singh resigned amidst escalating violence and prolonged political instability that had gripped Manipur for nearly two years.

The imposition, exercised under Article 356 of the Constitution, places the state's administration under direct control of the President, executed through the Governor.

The proclamation, published in the Gazette of India by the Union Home Ministry, transfers the powers of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government's authority.

Under this order, the Governor's functions are now to be carried out by the President; legislative powers are assumed by Parliament; and specific constitutional provisions concerning governance and legislative procedures have been suspended to facilitate central administration.

President's rule is typically enforced when a state government is deemed incapable of operating in accordance with constitutional provisions. This move follows significant political instability and concerns over law and order in the state.

With the suspension of legislative powers, all state decisions and laws will now be administered by the central government, either through Parliament or the President. The President's rule can last up to six months, subject to parliamentary approval. During this time, the Centre will manage state affairs, and elections may be scheduled to elect a new legislative assembly.

The unrest in Manipur was primarily triggered by clashes between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zomi tribes. Tensions had escalated due to disputes over economic benefits, job quotas, and land rights. The violence has led to hundreds of fatalities and displaced nearly 60,000 people.

(ANI)