Amid the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, calls for President’s Rule have intensified, with Kuki-Zo community leaders arguing that a change in chief minister will not resolve the deep-seated crisis. A spokesperson for a prominent Kuki-Zo organisation recently emphasized that the state needs direct intervention from the Centre to restore peace and stability.

The demand for President’s Rule in Manipur has been growing, particularly from the Kuki-Zo community, which has been at the heart of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state. The spokesperson, speaking to the media, asserted that the existing governance structure has failed to protect minority communities and ensure law and order.

“The situation has gone beyond the control of the state government. A mere change in leadership will not bring the justice and security that our people desperately need,” the spokesperson said. “Manipur must be placed under President’s Rule to allow for impartial governance and a proper resolution to the crisis.”

Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed intense violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, resulting in numerous casualties, displacement of thousands, and destruction of homes and villages. The Kuki-Zo groups have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of bias and failure to protect tribal communities from attacks.

“The state government has repeatedly failed to act against perpetrators of violence targeting our people. Security forces have been ineffective, and justice remains elusive. Under these circumstances, replacing the chief minister is merely a cosmetic change,” the spokesperson added.

While there have been speculations about a change in leadership within the Manipur government, the Kuki-Zo spokesperson dismissed such a move as insignificant. “A new CM from the same party or political structure will still be influenced by the same forces that have contributed to this crisis. We need unbiased administration, which can only come through President’s Rule.”

Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, President’s Rule can be imposed in a state if the constitutional machinery fails. This would mean that the state would be directly governed by the central government through the Governor.

Political analysts note that the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur would be a significant step, requiring approval from the Centre. While opposition parties and tribal leaders have been vocal in their demands, the central government has yet to make a decisive move.

The Congress and other opposition parties have echoed the need for President’s Rule, stating that the ongoing violence and failure of governance justify such a decision. However, the BJP leadership has so far maintained that the crisis can be resolved through political dialogue and administrative changes within the state government.

With tensions continuing to escalate, the call for President’s Rule is likely to gain further momentum. The Kuki-Zo community, along with other affected groups, has urged the central government to take immediate action before the situation deteriorates further.

“The people of Manipur deserve peace and security. The only way to ensure that is by removing political influences that have allowed this violence to persist,” the spokesperson concluded. As the crisis deepens, all eyes are now on the central government to see whether it will step in and take decisive action to restore order in the troubled state.