Imphal: Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) leader Ginza Vualzong has welcomed the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, stating that it offers a ray of hope for the Kuki-Zo community.
He emphasized that appointing a new Meitei Chief Minister would not resolve the deep-rooted mistrust between communities, asserting that “a new Meitei CM is still far from comforting.”
Reacting to the Central government’s decision to impose President’s Rule on February 13, Vualzong maintained that it was a better alternative than simply replacing former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who resigned on February 9 amid continued ethnic violence.
He expressed confidence that this move would help lay the groundwork for ending violence and create a more conducive environment for political dialogue in the conflict-ridden state.
The imposition of President’s Rule, which came four days after Singh’s resignation, was justified in an official notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, stating that the state government was no longer functioning in accordance with constitutional provisions.
President Droupadi Murmu, invoking Article 356 of the Constitution, assumed direct control over the state’s governance, with the Manipur Assembly being placed under suspended animation.
The development marks a critical shift in Manipur’s ongoing crisis, with tribal leaders expressing cautious optimism that direct Central rule will facilitate steps toward a long-term political solution.
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