Congress Slams President's Rule in Manipur: Calls for Peace Talks

Congress MP Imran Masood criticizes the imposition of President's rule in Manipur, highlighting BJP's intolerance towards other governments. He emphasizes the need for peace talks between communities. President Droupadi Murmu imposed the rule, transferring the state's legislative powers to Parliament amid political instability and law-and-order concerns.

In a blunt critique, Congress MP Imran Masood lambasted the recent decision to impose President's rule in Manipur, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cannot tolerate any form of governance besides its own. Masood's comments came in the wake of escalating violence and distress in the state.

Masood emphasized that the immediate priority should be fostering dialogue to mend the rifts between Manipur's communities. He advocated for peace talks as the essential solution to bridge existing divisions, indicating uncertainty about future developments under the current administration.

On February 13, President Droupadi Murmu enacted President's rule in Manipur after evaluating a report from the state Governor, citing Article 356 of the Constitution. This move effectively suspends the state government's authority, delegating legislative powers to Parliament and allowing the President, via the Governor, to directly manage the state's administrative affairs.

The Gazette of India, issued by the Union Home Ministry, clarified that Manipur's legislative powers would transition to central oversight. The suspension of key constitutional articles ensures a unified central administration, deemed necessary due to the state's political unrest and security issues. The President's rule, intended as a temporary measure, could potentially last for six months with parliamentary endorsement, facilitating governance under central supervision until new elections potentially select a fresh assembly.

This development unfolded shortly after former Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation on February 9, which followed nearly two years of ethnic turmoil and unstable governance within Manipur.

(With inputs from agencies.)