New Delhi, March 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday directed security forces to guarantee free and unhindered movement for people on all roads in Manipur, starting from March 8. Shah's directive came during a high-level security review meeting—the first since President's rule was imposed in the northeastern state on February 13 following months of ethnic violence.
Strict Action Against Road Obstructions
The Home Minister emphasized taking stern action against individuals creating road obstructions in Manipur. The state has been plagued by ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in more than 250 fatalities.Comprehensive Security Review Conducted
The meeting chaired by Shah included a detailed briefing on the state's prevailing law and order scenario. Key attendees included Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior state officials, Army officers, and representatives of paramilitary forces.President's rule was implemented following the resignation of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, resulting in the suspension of the state's legislative assembly, which is otherwise set to function until 2027.
Arms Surrender Deadline Extended
The security review comes on the heels of Governor Bhalla's directive issued on February 20, giving a seven-day ultimatum for surrendering illegal and looted weapons. During this initial period, more than 300 weapons were surrendered, predominantly from valley districts. Significantly, the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol returned 246 firearms.Responding to public requests from both hill and valley regions, the Governor extended the surrender deadline to 4 pm on March 6.
Governor Bhalla’s Efforts Towards Normalcy
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, appointed on January 3, has actively engaged with various community stakeholders to facilitate the return of peace. A former Union Home Secretary with prior experience working closely with Shah, Bhalla has chaired multiple meetings to discuss and strategize on restoring stability in the troubled state.Background of Manipur Violence
Ethnic tensions escalated into violence following a "Tribal Solidarity March" held in May 2023, protesting against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Thousands of arms were looted from police stations across Manipur during the initial phase of unrest.Despite consistent efforts by the central government to mediate between conflicting communities, lasting peace remains elusive in the northeastern state.
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