Focus on Governor's next course of action
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 17, 2025 -

IF needs no reminding that all eyes would now be on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on how he addresses the various issues in the strife-torn state. Subsequent to imposition of the President's Rule and the assembly put under suspended animation, the Governor shall have to diligently exercise administrative powers granted by Constitution of India and act with extreme caution so that the state's masses do not yearn or demand reinstatement of the mandated government, at-least for the next six months; after which the central government would be reviewing whether or not to extend the President's Rule.

As the President's Rule has been imposed days after hectic parleys to find a replacement for N Biren to helm the state's affairs only deepened the political crisis in the state, the responsibility entrusted to the Governor is not only limited to address the political stalemate but also ensure that there is no recurrence of ethnic violence which the state has been experiencing for over 20 months now.

In fact, arrest of five persons, whose photos and video clippings of playing football with automatic weapons in their hands or slung across the shoulders in a village under Kangpokpi district went viral on various social media platforms, could be attributed to imposition of the President's Rule for the simple reason that similar acts of openly displaying lethal firearms in the past had no follow-up measures, possibly due to the political patronage these individuals enjoyed or the law enforcement agencies' reluctance to act due to fear of reprisals from their political masters.

Now, with the Governor put in charge to judiciously exercise his powers and effectively utilise the unprecedentedly large number of security personnel present in the state, it is likely that elements inimical to restoration of peace would ponder over deeply before planning and acting in contravention of law of the land.

Apart from notable presence of police and other central forces in Imphal area and outlying valley district from the very evening the President's Rule was imposed, there has been intensification of search operations both in the hills and plains.

Even though there is substantially more recovery of weapons and arrest of members of armed outfits in the valley areas since outbreak of the Kuki-Meetei conflict, the recent reports of security forces dismantling unauthorised bunkers in some Kuki-dominated areas, not to forget arrest of the five 'armed footballers' could be construed as the new administration's firm resolve to prevent any unwanted activities by miscreants who want to take advantage of the prevailing political situation.

Irrespective of leaders of the opposition Congress likening imposition of the President's Rules to failure of the state and central governments, and belated admission by the BJP of their complete inability to govern Manipur, Governor Ajay Bhalla can still demonstrate responsibility for Manipur and showcase personal firm resolve to restore peace and normalcy, which if materialised, will naturally help dilute the negative narratives.

Among others, in case the Governor could prevent outbreak of fresh violence and make the highways safe for all, then it could be safely stated that the people of Manipur would neither long for reinstatement of the N Biren-led coalition government nor accord importance to the opposition parties' demand for fresh elections.