Hopes clash with fears as Manipur braces for President's rule days; BJP slammed for 'flawed' move

Guwahati: The deployment of central forces on the streets of Imphal and elsewhere were increased since Thursday night as strife-torn Manipur got ready for the days under President's rule with fear about possible excesses clashing with hope about restoration of peace.

As the President Droupadi Murmu promulgated the central rule, the Army, Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces intensified vigil against possible troublemakers in the Valley. This, however, prompted organisations representing the Meitei community fear that the President's rule could push Manipur into further turmoil.

"The blatant power manoeuvre indicates a sinister agenda to place Manipur, particularly the Meitei community, under direct military control. This decision conveniently aligns with longstanding demands of the Kuki militants and separatist groups, who have been advocating for re-imposition of the AFSPA and the President's Rule," the Co-ordination Committee on Manipur Unity (COCOMI), a forum of influential Meitei organisations, said in a statement on Friday, while opposing the President's rule.

BJP under fire

The COCOMI and Opposition Congress slammed the ruling BJP for its MLAs failing to decide a consensus candidate to replace deposed CM N Biren Singh. Calling the decision “flawed," former CM and veteran Congress leader, Okram Ibobi Singh on Friday said, "This is a misguided policy that will deepen the suffering of the people. The BJP has disrespected the people's mandate by imposing President's Rule."

Countering the criticism, BJP's in-charge of Manipur, Sambit Patra on Friday told a news agency that the Assembly was not dissolved and was put under suspended animation. "This means the Assembly can be revived as and when President Droupadi Murmu deems fit."

Patra said the party is committed to resolve the conflict and will take stern steps to maintain territorial integrity of Manipur and check illegal migration from Myanmar. Patra's statement was seen as a counter to the demands of the Kuki groups for a "separate administration" comprising the Kuki-dominated areas in Manipur.

A senior journalist in Imphal, who did not wish to be named, told DH that the President's rule could have at least four positive outcomes: *As the forces would act under the Central government's command, this would stop possible intervention from local leaders. *This would disrupt the clout of Valley-based radical groups, Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepuna and some others in the hills. *the forces would be able to act freely against extortion and free movement of Valley-based armed groups and also those in the Kuki-dominated areas. *The central rule might encourage both the Meitei and the Kuki groups to come forward for talks, as both demanded Biren Singh's removal as a condition for finding a solution.

The President's rule was imposed on Thursday, four days after CM N Biren Singh resigned and BJP failed to decide a consensus candidate as his successor.

Separate administration

Influential Kuki groups like Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi Manipur, however, asserted that resignation of Biren Singh and the President's rule did not alter their demand for a "separation administration" for the Kukis in Manipur.

"The invocation of the President's rule is a step forward but does not resolve the deep-rooted crisis. True justice can only be achieved through the full recognition of the Kuki-Zo people's rights and privileges as citizens by granting a separate administration that ensures our security, dignity and rightful governance," Kuki Inpi Manipur spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip  said in a statement on Friday evening. He also urged the Centre to exercise "restraint and fairness" while dealing with the "village volunteers" defending their villages against possible attacks by the Meiteis.  

The ITLF hoped the President's rule would create the right atmosphere and pave the way for political dialogue.