Article 355 of the Indian Constitution places a duty on the Union (Central Government) to:
- Protect every State from external aggression and internal disturbance
- Ensure that governance in the State is carried on in accordance with the Constitution
- It is a constitutional responsibility (duty), not an emergency power by itself.
How Article 355 helps protect Manipur
- In the context of ethnic violence, firing, bomb attacks, and prolonged unrest in Manipur, Article 355 becomes crucial in the following ways:
1. Central Intervention for Internal Disturbance
- When violence goes beyond the control of state police, the Centre can step in
- Justifies deployment of CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, ITBP) to assist Manipur Police
2. Centre–State Security Coordination
- Enables intelligence sharing, joint operations, and unified command
- Helps prevent escalation into insurgency or civil breakdown
3. Protection of Constitutional Governance
- Ensures that law and order, civil administration, and citizens’ rights do not collapse
- Acts as the constitutional basis for further steps like Article 356, if required (though not automatic)
4. Safeguarding Citizens’ Rights
- Central oversight helps ensure protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21)
- Prevents selective or biased enforcement during ethnic conflict
5. Support for Rehabilitation and Peace-building
Enables the Centre to support:
- Relief camps
- Rehabilitation of displaced persons
- Confidence-building and dialogue initiatives
Important Clarification
- Article 355 does NOT suspend the state government
- It is a preventive and supportive provision
- It must operate within constitutional limits and judicial oversight