President’s Rule: A Solution or another Failure?

The imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in the state on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, has been met with mixed reactions. While some oppose it, citing concerns over governance and democratic principles, many believe it is the only viable step toward restoring stability and constitutional order after 21 months of unrest. PR, after all, is not merely an emergency measure but a constitutional provision aimed at ensuring a return to democratic governance when the state machinery fails to function effectively.
The crisis that led to PR was not sudden; it was the result of prolonged administrative and political failures. The N. Biren Singh-led BJP government struggled to contain the violence that began in May 2023, and despite multiple assurances, the law-and-order situation continued to deteriorate. The inability of the government to maintain peace, secure highways, and restore inter-community trust eventually led to its collapse. With no alternative leadership emerging to stake a claim for forming a new government, the imposition of PR became inevitable.
However, as the state enters its second month under PR, critical questions arise: Has PR been successful in containing the crisis? Has the constitutional machinery been effectively restored? Unfortunately, the situation on the ground suggests otherwise.
One of the most glaring failures under PR has been the government’s inability to ensure free movement along the National Highway. On March 8, agitators successfully blocked the highway for five days, preventing the movement of vehicles. Even after partial clearance, the blockade remained in effect for one community—the Meitei—raising serious concerns about the administration’s impartiality and effectiveness. The fact that a national highway, a critical lifeline for the state, could remain disrupted for such an extended period exposes the limitations of the PR government in restoring normalcy.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have struggled to assert control in various districts. In Churachandpur, a complete administrative collapse was evident when the Hmar community, allied with the Kuki-Zomi groups, clashed violently. Videos circulating on social media depict scenes of lawlessness, raising fears that PR may be failing just as the previous government did. Adding to the deteriorating situation, a hostile mob vandalized the office of Zogam Today, a prominent newspaper in Churachandpur, in what appears to be a direct attack on press freedom. The incident, which saw miscreants destroy the signboard of the publication and threaten media personnel, underscores the worsening security situation under PR. A functioning administration would have ensured the protection of journalists and media houses, yet this blatant act of vandalism has gone unchecked, further proving that the rule of law remains fragile.
The inability of the PR government to take decisive action against disruptive elements, ensure equal protection to all communities, and maintain law and order undermines its very purpose. If PR, despite having central authority and direct intervention capabilities, cannot bring stability, then it risks becoming another ineffective administration, much like its predecessor.
At this juncture, the state cannot afford further delays in governance and peace-building efforts. The central administration must reassess its strategy, deploy adequate security measures, and enforce the rule of law impartially. If PR is to succeed, it must go beyond being a temporary administrative arrangement and actively work toward restoring normalcy, rebuilding trust among communities, and laying the groundwork for a stable, democratically elected government.
The people of the state deserve security, stability, and governance that functions in their best interests. If PR fails in its mandate, it will not only extend the crisis but also erode faith in the very constitutional provisions designed to protect democracy. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether PR can achieve what the elected government could not—or if it, too, will become a chapter of failure in the state’s prolonged struggle for peace.