Former CM N Biren Singh Credits President’s Rule for Stabilizing Manipur

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh asserted on Tuesday that the imposition of President's Rule has markedly stabilized the state's volatile law and order environment, marking a pivotal shift in the ongoing ethnic conflict that has plagued the region for over two years. Speaking to reporters at Imphal airport shortly after returning from a week-long stay in Delhi alongside 25 BJP MLAs, Singh emphasized the central leadership's role in steering Manipur's political future. The delegation's visit, initially aimed at securing meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, focused on briefing them about pressing state issues, including the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), highway security, and the urgent need for a new popular government.

"As a national party, the BJP operates on decisions made at the highest levels, not locally," Singh stated, dismissing speculation about hasty resolutions. "We didn't travel to Delhi for leisure; we presented the people's concerns—ranging from IDP welfare to infrastructure challenges—directly to the Centre. Manipur is an integral part of India, and all major calls must come from New Delhi. Those indulging in endless criticism should understand that local whims cannot dictate outcomes."

Also Read: Manipur Raids Uncover Massive Arms Cache Amid Ethnic Strife

Singh highlighted the historical context of President's Rule in Manipur, noting it has been invoked 11 times, including during periods of majority governments, typically in response to severe breakdowns in governance. "This measure is enacted precisely when law and order collapses, and in Manipur's case, it has already yielded positive results," he said. "Post-imposition, we are witnessing a tangible improvement in security, allowing communities to breathe easier amid the tensions."

The BJP leader reiterated that the Centre has been apprised of diverse community perspectives on the crisis, with ongoing dialogues between representatives of Meitei, Kuki, and other groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs. "A popular government must be established soon, reflecting the will of the people," Singh added, underscoring the imperative for inclusive governance to sustain the fragile peace.

In a pointed rebuke to the opposition Congress, Singh accused them of flip-flopping on state politics. "That party relentlessly demanded the ouster of the previous government and now pushes for assembly dissolution. We won't bow to their agenda; our path is guided by the aspirations of Manipur's residents, not partisan games."

President's Rule was enforced in February 2025 following Singh's resignation, triggered by widespread backlash over his administration's response to the inter-community clashes that erupted in May 2023 between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki-Zo populations. The violence, fueled by longstanding land rights and demographic disputes, has resulted in over 260 deaths, displaced more than 60,000 individuals, and inflicted billions in economic damage, with sporadic incidents continuing to test the state's resilience.

As restoration efforts intensify, Singh's comments signal cautious optimism, though activists and civil society groups urge faster implementation of confidence-building measures, such as equitable aid distribution and dialogue forums, to prevent resurgence of hostilities. The Centre's forthcoming decisions on government formation could prove instrumental in either consolidating gains or reigniting divisions in this ethnically diverse northeastern state.

Also Read: Security Forces Arrest Four Militants, Uncover Arms in Imphal