Getty ImagesThe Indian government has brought the troubled north-eastern state of Manipur under direct federal rule days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
Singh, from India’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP), quit on Sunday after facing months of pressure to step down.
In May 2023, ethnic conflicts broke out between the state’s Meitei, Meitei, and plurality Kuki communities over property rights, employment, and monetary benefits.
In the issue, more than 250 people have died and tens of thousands have been forced to flee.
The state hit the global headlines in July 2023 when a video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob went viral, sparking outrage in India.
Although there have been fewer harsh outbursts since the most recent uprising in 2023, tensions remain between the areas and continue to escalate.
Singh’s place had become increasingly untenable in recent months as Kuki organizations began accusing him of favoring the Meitei group, which he denies.
According to reports from the internet, there is also growing unease with him within the BJP.
Republican leaders attempted to replace him as deputy secretary, but they were unsuccessful.
The state’s office announced on Thursday night that national law, known as President’s rule in India, had been implemented.
I’ve been given a statement from the government, and after considering the statement and other information I’ve received, I’m satisfied that a circumstance has arisen where the state’s government cannot continue in accordance with the terms of the Constitution of India,” the statement read.
Manipur’s last assembly session was held in August and Monday was set to be the first day of the new session, but federally-appointed governor Ajay Bhalla released a statement declaring the session “null and void”.
Prior to the program, members of the opposition Congress party had stated they would file a movement of no-confidence against the deputy minister.
Singh resigned as president of the Congress because he believed the movement did pass, according to Congress head Jairam Ramesh. Amit Shah, the head of the national home ministry, must withdraw, according to Rasha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hasn’t visited the state since the assault started, has also received criticism from opposition officials.
A Kuki organization accuses Singh of playing a strong position in fueling the violence, while the Supreme Court of India is hearing a plea against him. The plaintiffs have provided audio tapes that have been leaked to support their assertions.
Before the next hearing, the court requested a investigative report on the tapes. Singh has denied any wrongdoing.
What is the Manipur fight?
The issue involves the country’s two largest ethnic parties, the lot Meitei and majority Kuki, and their war over land and control.
In May of this year, Kukis began protesting against expectations from the Meiteis for recognized tribal position. The Kukis claimed that this would give them more power over society and the Meiteis, allowing them to live in areas with a solid Kuki population or to purchase land.
But there are many fundamental factors. The Meitei-led government’s drug warfare is a window, according to the Kukis, to reshape their populations.
Meiteis live in the Imphal Valley and the Kukis live in the nearby hill regions, and Manipur has been divided into two tents since the crime. The two parts are divided by borders and cushion regions guarded by security forces and group members.
Federal and state officials ‘ efforts to hold peace deals between the areas have so far failed to put an end to the issue.