Thu Apr 03 23:06:21 UTC 2025: ## Amit Shah Defends President’s Rule in Manipur, Blames High Court Order for Violence
**New Delhi, April 4, 2025** – Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, asserting that dialogue is the only path forward to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Shah attributed the May 2023 violence to a Manipur High Court order regarding Meitei inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list, arguing that its interpretation fueled insecurities among the tribal community.
Shah clarified that the violence is not a religious conflict or a law and order failure, but rather an ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. He stated that 70% of the approximately 260 deaths occurred within the first 15 days of the conflict. He further stated that President’s Rule was implemented due to a political vacuum following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, refuting opposition claims that it was a politically motivated move. He also denied that the Congress had the numbers to bring a no-confidence motion.
The Minister highlighted 13 meetings held with both communities, with a final meeting planned in Delhi soon. He emphasized that the government is not in favor of extending President’s Rule.
Opposition parties, however, strongly criticized the government’s handling of the situation. They demanded a white paper on Manipur, questioned the Prime Minister’s absence from the state, and raised concerns about human rights violations, including alleged attacks on religious places and instances of sexual violence. They also criticized the late-night parliamentary discussion on the resolution and demanded a speedy restoration of an elected government. The debate lasted approximately 90 minutes, with ten opposition members voicing their concerns.
First Piper 