Explained: What is Article 355 that has been imposed in Manipur
Violence erupted during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district on Wednesday, (May 3). The protest was against the demand of non-tribal Meiteis to be granted the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
According to ATSUM, the march was held to voice their disagreement with the increasing momentum of the Meitei community’s demands to be included in the ST category.
Watch: Why Manipur’s Kukis and Meiteis are at war
In response to the violent incident, curfew was imposed in several districts. Non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, and Bishnupur districts, as well as tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts were under curfew.
After the recent bout of unrest and violence in Manipur, the central government has taken over security responsibilities by invoking Article 355 of the Constitution.
Also Read: Manipur: Shoot-at-sight orders issued; Article 355 imposed as violence flares up
What is article 355?
Article 355 of the Constitution of India provides an emergency provision for the Centre to intervene and safeguard a state against external aggression or internal disturbances. It states that the maintenance of law and order in a state falls under the jurisdiction of the central government. This article empowers the Centre to take necessary steps to protect a state from any kind of threat, be it internal or external. The provision is designed to ensure that the government can act swiftly and decisively in the event of any disturbance or threat to the peace and security of the country.
Exact definition
The exact definition of Article 355 in the Constitution of India is, “Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”
