Confusion Surrounds Alleged Imposition of Article 355 in Manipur; CM Claim its Imposition, Status Report to MHRC Says Otherwise

In another perplexing turn of events, Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, has asserted that Article 355 has been invoked in the state. However, a status report submitted by Manipur’s Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Home) to the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on June 14, 2023, contradicts this claim, stating that Article 355 has not been imposed in Manipur. The report was submitted in response to the ongoing unrest in the state since May 3.

MPCC President K Meghachandra made a noteworthy announcement after convening an all-political-party meeting with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at his secretariat office on Sunday. The meeting was a response to the appeal made by 10 political parties in Manipur to address the prolonged unrest in the region.

K Meghachandra, expressing dissatisfaction with both the central and state governments, accused them of insincerity. He revealed that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh himself stated during the meeting that Article 355 was imposed in Manipur, terming it an unfortunate situation. The gathering included Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar, Relief and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai, Lilong MLA Abdul Nasir, Moirang MLA Th Shanti, Congress leader O Ibobi, MPCC vice president Hareswar Goswami, and representatives from 10 political parties.

It is noteworthy that these 10 political parties had submitted various memorandums addressing the unrest and had met with different ministers, excluding the Prime Minister. On a parallel note, the ruling party MLAs’ meeting convened by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday ended inconclusively.

The MHRC, taking cognizance of an immediate complaint filed by the secretary of All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Manipur State Committee Salam Pari Luwang, sought a status report from both the Chief Secretary and the Secretary of Home Affairs, Union of India. The complaint aimed to inquire into human rights violations and the State Government’s failure to prevent violence in Manipur.

Article 355 of the Constitution of India mandates that the Union of India should protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance, ensuring that all state governments adhere to the provisions of the Constitution.

It is noteworthy that the state of Manipur has been gripped by violence since May 3 of the previous year. During a press conference held on May 6, 2023, to provide updates on the prevailing situation in Manipur, the head of the state police made an unusual declaration. According to the officer, Article 355 of the Indian Constitution had been applied in the state, leading to the Union government assigning a security advisor to the state government.

Adding to the complexity, the communication of the imposition of Article 355 in Manipur raised concerns. An elected MLA from the ruling party tweeted that Article 355 had been “implemented” in the state, implying its imposition. Subsequently, the head of the state police indicated during a press conference that Article 355 was indeed imposed.

Crucially, it should be highlighted that, as of today, no formal order from the Union government has been issued to impose or invoke Article 355 in Manipur. This presents two potential scenarios. Either the statements made by the Chief Minister and the Director-General of Police (DGP) are inaccurate, or the Union government clandestinely imposed Article 355 in the state without publicly announcing the decision. If the latter scenario holds true, it raises serious concerns, as a decision of this nature, lacking a legal and publicly disclosed announcement, may be deemed unlawful.

The unfolding developments in this case warrant close attention, considering the far-reaching implications for our democratic society.