Situation Under Control but Not Satisfactory, Amit Shah on Manipur Prez Rule

Union Home Minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha on Thursday that Manipur has remained free of violence for the past four months, though he admitted that the situation is still not fully satisfactory. He assured the House that the government is taking all necessary steps to restore peace.

“For the past four months, there has been no violence in Manipur. I will not say the situation is satisfactory, but it is under control,” Shah said. He dismissed the Congress’s ability to challenge the government, stating, “Congress does not have enough MPs to move a no-confidence motion.”

The Lok Sabha passed a resolution approving President’s Rule in Manipur following a motion moved by Shah.

Government’s Response to the Manipur Crisis

Defending the government’s actions, Shah said discussions are ongoing with both Meitei and Kuki communities to reach a peaceful resolution.

“By and large, the situation is peaceful. But as long as people remain in camps, I would not call it satisfactory. The government is making every effort to restore normalcy,” he said.

He attributed the ethnic violence to a state high court order that escalated tensions. “The moment the order was issued, we airlifted central forces. There was no delay on our part,” he clarified.

Since the violence began in May 2023, 260 people have died, with 80% of casualties occurring in the first month.

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Opposition Criticizes 2 AM Discussion

The opposition condemned the government for addressing the Manipur issue in the middle of the night.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the timing, arguing that public trust in the state is eroding.

“Manipur has a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, yet the biggest crisis today is the loss of public trust. The imposition of President’s Rule was a result of the no-confidence motion moved by the Manipur Congress,” Tharoor said.

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DMK MP Kanimozhi criticized the government’s handling of the debate. “The opposition has been demanding a discussion on Manipur for months. But when you finally address it, it’s at 2 AM. This shows how little regard you have for the people suffering there,” she said.

Rejecting claims that violence in Manipur is a recent phenomenon under BJP rule, Shah pointed to past ethnic conflicts:

• 1990s: Naga-Kuki clashes over five years left 750 dead.

• 1997-98: Kuki-Paite clashes claimed 352 lives.

• 1990s: Meitei-Pangal clashes resulted in over 100 deaths.

Shah accused past governments of neglecting Manipur. “Neither the then Prime Minister nor the then Home Minister visited Manipur,” he remarked.

Call for Peace and Stability

Despite their criticisms, opposition leaders largely supported the resolution on President’s Rule while urging immediate efforts for peace.

Shashi Tharoor (Congress) called for an end to insurgency and the promotion of inclusivity. Sayani Ghosh (TMC) and Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-UBT) stressed the need for urgent peace restoration, while Kanimozhi (DMK) condemned divisive politics. Supriya Sule (NCP-SCP) opposed President’s Rule, calling for stronger intervention from the Home Minister.

Unprecedented and Unacceptable!

The government has moved a statutory resolution on proclaimation of President's Rule in Manipur at 2 am; a move that raises serious concerns about transparency and democratic accountability.

Since the violence erupted in May 2023, Manipur has… pic.twitter.com/6FBPl0x1zJ

— Achal Shah (@achalshah06) April 2, 2025

Resolution Adopted Amid Ongoing Unrest

The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution titled “Consideration on the Proclamation issued by the President on February 13, 2025, under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur” by a voice vote.

The violence was sparked by a “Tribal Solidarity March” against a High Court order. The central government continues efforts to mediate between the warring factions.