Overview The political landscape of Manipur remains tense as Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra advocates for the dissolution of the State Assembly and the holding of fresh elections in 2026 . This call comes amidst ongoing ethnic strife that has significantly disrupted the state. The imposition of President's Rule since February 13, 2025 , underscores the severity of the situation, making this a critical issue for UPSC aspirants to understand from both governance and social perspectives. Key Developments Political Demands and Responses Congress Demand: Keisham Meghachandra argues that dissolving the Assembly is the only way to restore peace and normalcy, citing the failure of the current government to address the people's grievances. BJP Response: BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro appeals for reconciliation, urging communities to forgive past differences and return to peaceful relations. Background of the Crisis Ethnic Violence: The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in over 260 lives lost since May 2023 . President's Rule: Imposed after then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025 . The 60 -member State Assembly is currently under suspended animation. Governor's Efforts: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has initiated measures to restore peace, including urging the surrender of looted arms. Root Causes of the Conflict Tribal Solidarity March: The violence was triggered by a protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. UPSC Relevance This news article is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for the following areas: GS Paper II: Polity and Governance: The imposition of President's Rule , the functioning of the State Assembly, and the role of the Governor are key topics. GS Paper III: Internal Security: The ethnic violence and its management fall under this category. GS Paper I: Social Issues: Understanding the dynamics between different communities and the demand for ST status is crucial. Important Facts for Prelims Date of President's Rule Imposition: February 13, 2025 Reason for President's Rule: Ethnic violence following the resignation of N. Biren Singh . Number of Assembly Members: 60 Key Communities Involved: Meitei and Kuki Potential Mains Questions Analyze the factors contributing to the ethnic conflict in Manipur and suggest measures for long-term resolution. Evaluate the effectiveness of President's Rule in addressing the governance challenges in Manipur. Discuss the role of the central government in managing ethnic conflicts in states, with specific reference to the Manipur crisis.