Imphal: The upper house of India’s parliament, the Rajya Sabha, passed a Statutory Resolution early Friday, formally confirming the imposition of President’s Rule in the strife-torn state of Manipur.
This decision came after a prolonged and often impassioned debate, during which members from various political parties voiced their concerns regarding the ongoing violence that has plagued the northeastern state.
While the resolution received the necessary support to pass, it was not without significant criticism directed at the central government. Opposition members strongly condemned what they perceived as the government’s failure to effectively restore law and order in Manipur and to quell the persistent violence. They argued that the situation had deteriorated to a point requiring stronger intervention, and held the government accountable for the prolonged unrest.
In response to these criticisms, the government, represented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserted that it was actively engaged in extensive efforts to bring normalcy back to Manipur. Shah reiterated the government’s stance that imposing President’s Rule was not a preferred policy, but a necessary measure in the current circumstances. He outlined the steps taken by the government and expressed optimism about the progress being made.
A key point of Shah’s address was the revelation that two meetings between the conflicting communities in Manipur had already taken place. He further expressed hope that a third, crucial meeting would soon be convened in New Delhi, aiming to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation. This announcement was seen as a potential step towards finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.
Shah also addressed the opposition’s accusations of political exploitation of the situation. He countered by pointing out that similar incidents of violence had occurred in Manipur during the Congress regime, and notably, no Prime Minister had visited the state during those times. This exchange highlighted the deeply partisan nature of the debate, even as the House ultimately united in endorsing the resolution.