By Ahmad Adil
NEW DELHI (AA) – India imposed direct rule in the northeastern troubled state of Manipur, officials said Thursday.
“After considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of that State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of India,” according to a notification signed by President Droupadi Murmu.
The federal government directly controls the state, under presidential rule.
The imposition of direct rule comes after the top elected official in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, resigned last week nearly two years after ethnic fighting broke out, resulting in the killing of more than 250 people and affecting thousands.
The Indian opposition had been demanding the removal of Singh because of the escalating tensions in the region.
Fighting has taken place between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities.
Meitei are mostly Hindu and dominant in the state's population, while Kukis are mostly Christians, and among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India.