The Indian federal government took over direct control of the restive northeastern state of Manipur on Thursday after the region's chief minister resigned amid ethnic violence that has killed at least 250 people over two years and displaced thousands.

The Centre imposed President's rule in Manipur following CM N Biren Singh's resignation and unsuccessful attempts to form an alternative government. The assembly remains in suspended animation, with Governor Ajay Bhalla overseeing the state,

Ethnic violence between Meiteis, who make up slightly more than half of the population, and the minority Kuki community has killed more than 250 people and displaced about 60,000 since May 2023.

The Manipur assembly was put under suspended animation, which means that the House has not been dissolved, and its members will continue to be MLAs