Lok Sabha Extends President's Rule in Manipur Amidst Peace Claims

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved the extension of President's Rule in Manipur for an additional six months, beyond August 13, 2023. The government insists that peace is prevailing in the Northeastern state, pointing to a single fatality during the past four months as evidence of improved stability.

Minister of State Nityanand Rai emphasized that the situation has been notably calm since the imposition of President's Rule, with efforts ongoing to foster dialogue between ethnic communities to secure long-term peace. Rai moved the statutory resolution for the rule's extension in the lower house for further discussion.

Speaker Om Birla noted that President's Rule was first enacted in February, receiving initial approval on April 2. This parliamentary approval extends the governance arrangement, aimed at maintaining order and promoting dialogue, for another six-month period.

(With inputs from agencies.)