The Lok Sabha on July 30 approved a six-month extension of President’s Rule, which was originally imposed on February 13, 2025. The current term, set to expire on August 13, will now be extended till mid-February 2026.The statutory resolution for the extension was moved by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who assured the House that the security situation in the northeastern state has shown notable improvement. Speaking during the debate, Rai emphasized that the continuation of President’s Rule is essential to sustain the fragile peace and push forward the government’s efforts for long-term reconciliation between the ethnic communities in the state.
“I want to say that there is peace prevailing there… the law and order situation is also under control,” Rai stated. “What can be a bigger proof of peace returning than the fact that since the imposition of President’s Rule, there has been only one fatality and no casualties in the last four months?”The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting dialogue between the warring ethnic groups—primarily the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities—whose tensions erupted into violence in 2023. “Full efforts are being made to remove differences between the two ethnic communities through dialogue to establish permanent peace,” he added. The state has remained under central rule since February 2025, when the deteriorating law and order situation led to the dismissal of the state government. On April 2, the Parliament had previously approved the initial imposition of President’s Rule.
Speaker Om Birla confirmed that the current extension was within constitutional bounds. “The approval of the President’s Rule by Parliament is valid for six months. The House has now extended it for another term, following due process,” he said. The decision comes amid mixed reactions from political parties and civil society groups. While the Centre insists that stability is gradually returning, critics argue that ground-level reconciliation remains a complex and ongoing challenge.
