President’s Rule and the Eroding Hopes of Manipur’s People

The recent meeting of a group of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) currently under suspended animation amid Manipur’s prolonged crisis has stirred more questions than it has answered. At a time when the state is facing an unprecedented socio-political and humanitarian crisis, the silence surrounding this meeting has not only created skepticism among the public but has also exposed the deep fractures within the state’s political fabric.
The central question being asked by the citizens is whether the meeting was genuinely aimed at creating a roadmap to restore peace or merely a veiled attempt to pressure the Governor into restoring a popular government. Given the volatile situation in Manipur, the public deserved clarity. Instead, what they witnessed was silence, inaction, and a meeting devoid of transparency. This lack of communication has only amplified the mistrust among the people, particularly the genuine and peace-loving citizens who have endured nearly two years of turmoil.
Crucially, none of the MLAs present in the meeting are in a position to stake claim to form a government. This reality stems from the fact that even the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which enjoys a clear majority in the state assembly, has failed to unite within its own ranks. The division is no longer a matter of speculation; it is out in the open. The segregation of seven BJP MLAs who have openly demanded a separate administration, and who now operate beyond the purview of the state BJP leadership, has made governance untenable. What’s more concerning is the helplessness of the state party leadership, which has failed to initiate any disciplinary action against this defiance. This speaks volumes about the erosion of authority within the party and further undermines the functioning of a democratic government.
The state assembly, too, has failed to uphold its role. Despite clear rules and procedures, it has not summoned the ten MLAs who have been functioning outside the democratic framework. This inaction raises serious constitutional questions and highlights a failure of institutional responsibility.
When President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, there was a collective sigh of relief among the citizens. It was seen as a necessary step to restore the constitutional machinery that had long been dysfunctional. For nearly 22 months preceding this, constitutional provisions were continuously violated, and governance had all but collapsed. The hope was that a neutral administration under the supervision of the Governor would bring some order, provide justice, and pave the way for healing.
However, over two months into President’s Rule, that hope is steadily fading. The lack of visible, effective action has left citizens disillusioned. There is growing frustration over the continued absence of law and order, failure to rehabilitate the displaced, and a lack of direction from the Centre. The people of Manipur now find themselves in a political vacuum, with no leadership they can trust.
The role of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla is now under close scrutiny. His past service in the Ministry of Home Affairs earned him respect and recognition for being a sincere and efficient administrator. That legacy is now on the line. The people of Manipur need him to rise above political pressures and act with the integrity and impartiality that once defined his career. He should not allow directives from politicians in the national capital to dictate his actions in a crisis that requires localized understanding and sensitive handling.
Manipur’s crisis is not just a law and order issue. It is a test of India’s democratic resilience and federal structure. The state has endured violence, displacement, and a complete breakdown of public trust. The responsibility to heal, to rebuild, and to reassure the people lies not just with the administration but with every institution of governance—be it the Assembly, the political parties, or the office of the Governor.
History will remember this period as a defining chapter in Manipur’s political journey. It can either be remembered as the moment when leadership failed, or as the moment when conscience prevailed. The choice rests with those in power.