Federation of Haomee Criticizes President’s Rule in Manipur: A Call for Urgent Intervention

Manipur’s political landscape has been turbulent, especially following the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. The Federation of Haomee, a prominent civil society organization, has voiced strong opposition to this development, citing escalating security concerns and administrative lapses. This article delves into the Federation’s criticisms, the broader implications of President’s Rule, and the urgent need for corrective measures.

Summary of the Federation’s Criticisms

The Federation of Haomee has raised several critical issues regarding the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

1. Ineffectiveness in Restoring Law and Order: Despite the central government’s direct intervention, the Federation asserts that the law and order situation has not improved. They highlight ongoing unrest and security lapses that continue to plague the state.​
2. Unfulfilled Promises: The organization points to assurances made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 8, 2025, regarding free movement along national highways. According to the Federation, these promises remain unfulfilled, with illegal activities persisting unchecked.​
3. Neglect of Security Concerns: The Federation accuses the government of neglecting key security concerns, including issues related to illegal migration and the protection of individuals allegedly involved in unlawful activities.​
4. Worsening Social Issues: They highlight the intensification of problems such as poppy cultivation, drug trade, deforestation, and illegal encroachments under President’s Rule, arguing that these issues threaten Manipur’s territorial integrity.​Northeast Today+6Northeast Today+6Northeast Today+6
5. Delay in Delimitation Process: The organization criticizes the delay in implementing the delimitation process, claiming that certain groups are being favored to the detriment of the indigenous population.​

Understanding President’s Rule in Manipur

President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state’s government and the direct administration of the state by the central government. In Manipur, this measure was implemented following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid ongoing ethnic violence that has resulted in over 250 deaths since May 2023. ​Northeast Today+7Northeast Today+7Northeast Today+7

Broader Implications and Reactions

The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur has elicited varied reactions from different quarters:​Northeast Today+8Northeast Today+8Northeast Today+8

• Political Opposition: The Congress party has strongly opposed the move, calling for the restoration of an elected government to safeguard democracy and ensure stability. ​Northeast Today+2Northeast Today+2Northeast Today+2
• Civil Society Organizations: Groups like the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) have condemned the imposition as undemocratic and destabilizing. ​Northeast Today+1Northeast Today+1
• Public Protests: Various protests have erupted across the state, with demonstrators demanding measures to protect indigenous people and expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration. ​Northeast Today

Call for Urgent Intervention

The Federation of Haomee’s criticisms underscore the urgent need for effective governance and security measures in Manipur. Their call for immediate intervention highlights the growing public dissatisfaction and the imperative for the central government to address these concerns promptly.​

Conclusion

The situation in Manipur remains complex and volatile. The Federation of Haomee’s outspoken criticism of President’s Rule reflects deeper issues within the state’s governance and security apparatus. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from both the central and state governments, along with active participation from civil society organizations and the local populace. Only through collaborative and transparent measures can lasting peace and stability be achieved in Manipur.​Northeast Today

FAQs

1. What is President’s Rule?
   • President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state’s government and the direct administration of the state by the central government, typically invoked when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions.
2. Why was President’s Rule imposed in Manipur?
   • President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid ongoing ethnic violence and unrest in the state.
3. Who is the Federation of Haomee?
   • The Federation of Haomee is a prominent civil society organization in Manipur that advocates for the rights and interests of the indigenous population and addresses various socio-political issues affecting the state.
4. What are the main criticisms of the Federation of Haomee regarding President’s Rule?
   • The Federation criticizes the ineffectiveness in restoring law and order, unfulfilled government promises, neglect of security concerns, worsening social issues, and delays in the delimitation process under President’s Rule.
5. What steps are being called for to address the situation in Manipur?
   • The Federation of Haomee is calling for urgent intervention to address security concerns, fulfill governmental assurances, tackle social issues, implement the delimitation process, and restore effective governance to stabilize the state.