Manipur in 'Catch-22 Situation' as President's Rule deepens crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 17 2025: The imposition of President's Rule has placed the state in a "catch-22 situation," with no clear path to resolution as uncertainty grips both the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities, said Ch Priyoranjan Singh, an economics professor at Manipur University.

A report by The Print cited him describing the Centre's approach as ineffective and arguing that it has failed to take the necessary steps to address the deep-rooted crisis.

"President's Rule will help if they rein in the armed militants both in the valley and hills.

Without that, nothing good will be happening," the report quoted the professor.

He further pointed out that the Centre's actions are dictated more by its geopolitical concerns than by a commitment to resolving Manipur's internal strife.

"It seems to me that their (Centre's) political will to solve the Manipur issue in a given timeframe is very weak, because they have their geopolitical interests in (neighbouring) Myanmar, compulsions about the Suspension of Operations agreement with insurgent groups in the hills.

These interests while in India's interest go against the state's interests," he added.

The report also made a comparison between the views of Meetei and Kuki CSOs on the imposition of President's Rule, which was expected to strengthen governance and aid law enforcement, it has instead exacerbated tensions.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) from both the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities have hardened their stances, reflecting the widening ethnic and political divide.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly opposed the move, calling it a "deliberate ploy" to destabilise Manipur further.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council and Zomi Council have welcomed the decision but remain firm on their demand for a separate administration.

The uncertainty has been compounded by a diplomatic statement issued by 10 MLAs from the Kuki-Zo and Zomi tribes, who, following a meeting in Guwahati, acknowledged the Centre's decision to place the Manipur Legislative Assembly under suspended animation.

However, their omission of the phrase "separate administration" has sparked speculation within the tribal community, with some viewing it as a strategic shift, the report said.

"It's very cryptic...by not putting a separate administration in their statement, it seems the MLAs are trying to assuage the Centre," the report quoted a Ku-ki-Zo leader on the condition of anonymity.

However, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip dismissed the notion of a compromise, insisting that their demand remained unchanged.

"We have asked for a comprehensive political roadmap for peace and justice under a negotiated settlement.

The road map is presumed to satisfy the demand," he stated.

The political uncertainty within the state BJP has further deepened the crisis.

Following N Biren's resignation, back-channel negotiations continue to decide on a consensus chief ministerial candidate.

This deadlock has raised concerns about the effective implementation of security measures.

A senior state government official noted that law enforcement agencies require at least six months to conduct necessary operations, including the recovery of looted weapons and the crackdown on underground militant groups.

"They have just started their search and combing operations, recovering looted weapons and arresting cadres of underground groups indulging in criminal activities.

But the operations can get jeopardised if President's Rule is revoked earlier in the eventuality of an alternate CM being chosen," the reported quoted the official as saying.

Mass rallies have already begun in the valley with residents demanding the lifting of President's Rule and the appointment of a new chief minister.

Meanwhile, in the tribal-dominated hills, CSOs continue to press for a separate political arrangement.

Henliangthang Thanglet, chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council, reaffirmed their stand.

"Imposition of President's Rule is fine, but normalcy will only be restored once we get separate autonomy.

Our position is very clear on this.

The Centre will have to decide on this sooner than later," he said.

The Zomi Council echoed similar sentiments, stating that the period of President's Rule should be used to explore a "political solution" for the Zo ethnic communities.

The growing divide between the valley and hill CSOs highlights the fragile nature of the state's political landscape.

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