NEW DELHI: In proceedings that started after the waqf bill was passed in LS around 1am Thursday, the House adopted a resolution confirming the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur. Home minister Amit Shah said the situation in the state was largely under control as there had been no death in the last four months but it couldn’t be considered satisfactory with displaced people still living in relief camps.
Shah also said after the imposition of President’s rule, discussions were held with Meiteis and Kukis, and separate meetings were conducted with organisations from both communities.
Back president rule but want peace, say Congress & TMC on Manipur
The home ministry will soon convene a joint meeting, he said, adding that while the govt was working to find a path to end the violence, the top priority was to establish peace.
President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on Feb 13 after then CM Biren Singh resigned on Feb 9 following months of ethnic violence which started in May 2023.
Shah said the opposition had been trying to portray a picture that ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities was the first violence in Manipur and the BJP-led govt had failed to maintain law and order. “Three major instances of violence spanning 10 years, three years, and six months had occurred during earlier govts. After those incidents, neither the Prime Minister nor the Union home minister visited the state,” he said.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said his party supported the resolution but wanted the restoration of peace and stability in the state. “End in-surgency, restore peace and stability, promote dialogue with each other, promote inclusivity,” he said.
Sayani Ghosh of Trinamool Congress said her party supported the resolution but favoured early restoration of peace. DMK’s K Kanimozhi said “divisive” politics should come to an end in Manipur.