NEW DELHI/CHENNAI — The Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) has strongly opposed the Union Government’s move to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months, calling it a “violation of democratic principles” and a “clear indication of the Centre’s failure” to restore peace in the violence-hit northeastern state.
In a sharply worded statement issued on Saturday, MMK president and MLA, Prof. M. H. Jawahirullah criticised the BJP-led central government for its inability to bring the situation under control even two years after large-scale ethnic violence first broke out in May 2023.
“More than 250 people have been killed, over 1,100 injured, and nearly 60,000 displaced, yet the government has not been able to bring back normalcy,” the statement noted. Prof. Jawahirullah added that the extension of President’s Rule reflects both administrative collapse and a disregard for democratic governance.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 9, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The current extension bill, introduced in Parliament during the Monsoon Session, seeks to prolong central rule for another six months—drawing sharp criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties alike.
Prof. Jawahirullah said it was “deeply concerning” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur even once since the crisis began. “While the Prime Minister travels extensively abroad, he has failed to set foot in a state of his own country that is suffering prolonged violence. This is utterly irresponsible,” the MMK leader said.
He also accused the BJP government of political apathy, saying, “For nearly two years, the people of Manipur have been caught between administrative failure and central indifference. Instead of restoring democratic governance, the Centre is now seeking to prolong its direct control.”
The MMK has urged the Union Government to withdraw the extension proposal and immediately take meaningful steps to restore peace and revive democratic institutions in the state. “People of Manipur deserve elected governance—not indefinite central rule,” Prof. Jawahirullah asserted.
The party’s position adds to growing nationwide concern over the situation in Manipur, which continues to reel under tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, large-scale displacement, and breakdown of law and order. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised alarm over the Centre’s delayed and inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis.
As Parliament debates the bill, critics argue that the extension of President’s Rule may further alienate communities and undermine federal principles.
