Amit Shah: Prez rule imposed at "appropriate time", situation nearing normalcy

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that the President's rule in Manipur was imposed at an appropriate time. He further claimed that the situation is now relatively peaceful, especially since the government is holding discussions with the Meitei and the Kuki communities, who are also talking among themselves aiming for lasting peace.

"Now situation is relatively peaceful. Normal life has resumed. The Home Ministry has held separate meetings with both the communities. Both the communities have also talked to each other. Gradually things are moving in positive direction. There is no reason for worry now," Shah said at Times Now Summit, 2025, on Friday night.

The home minister said this is not the first time the state is witnessing ethnic violence. It has endured such strife in the past, and even for longer durations like three to four years, he said.

Asked whether there was a delay in the imposition of the central rule in Manipur, Shah said it was easier to comment sitting afar.

"Unless both the communities accept it, President's rule would not have been successful. When there was an appropriate time, we have imposed it," he said.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based majority Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo tribals since May 2023.

The violence started after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

There have been many efforts from the central government to bring the warring communities to negotiating table.