Will President’s Rule in Manipur be extended beyond the one-year mark? Indications from New Delhi suggest that the Union government is actively considering an extension of Central rule in the state, with the option of declaring a state of emergency also under examination, sources said.
The possibility came to light following a high-level closed-door security review meeting held at North Block, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted over two and a half hours, reviewed the prevailing security and law-and-order situation in Manipur.
The meeting was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh, Chief Secretary Dr P K Goel, DGP Rajiv Singh, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Intelligence Bureau.
Though no official statement has been issued, sources indicated that extending President’s Rule for another six months is under serious consideration.
As per constitutional provisions, continuation beyond one year would require parliamentary approval and extraordinary conditions, including concurrence of the Election Commission, citing the current security situation.
The development has dampened hopes for the early formation of an elected, inclusive government in the state, which continues to face prolonged unrest, tensions, and instability.
