Amit Shah Directs Security Forces to Ensure Free Movement in Manipur from March 8

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday instructed security forces to ensure the unobstructed movement of people on all roads in Manipur starting March 8. Shah also emphasized strict action against those obstructing routes, highlighting the central government's unwavering commitment to restoring lasting peace in the conflict-torn northeastern state.

The high-level review meeting, chaired by Shah in New Delhi, marked the first security assessment since President's rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation.

Centre Committed to Lasting Peace in Manipur: Amit Shah​

During the review, Shah reiterated that the central government is fully dedicated to reinstating normalcy in Manipur and pledged continuous support and resources to achieve stability. The violence, ongoing since May 2023, has already claimed over 250 lives.

According to an official statement, the home minister explicitly directed that all routes across Manipur must remain accessible from March 8 onward. He instructed security agencies to take stringent measures against anyone hindering public movement on roads.

Swift Completion of Border Fencing Urged​

Amit Shah also addressed border security, ordering the immediate completion of fencing work at designated entry points along Manipur's international borders. The Union Home Minister emphasized the urgency to dismantle the drug trade network within the state, reiterating his vision of a "drug-free Manipur."

Key attendees at the security review meeting included Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, and senior army officials, including the Deputy Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Army’s Eastern Command.

Over 300 Illegal Weapons Surrendered in Recent Drive​

The security review follows the Governor's ultimatum issued on February 20, mandating the surrender of illegal and looted weapons. During the initial seven-day deadline, over 300 weapons were handed in, predominantly from the valley districts. Notably, 246 firearms were surrendered by the Meitei radical group, Arambai Tenggol.

Following requests from communities in both hill and valley regions, Governor Bhalla extended the arms-surrender deadline to 4 pm on March 6.

President's Rule and the Efforts Toward Stability​

Manipur entered President's rule on February 13, with the state assembly placed under suspended animation until 2027. Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary who assumed office as Governor on January 3, has actively engaged various community stakeholders and security personnel to strategize the restoration of peace.

The ongoing violence began nearly 22 months ago, triggered by a "Tribal Solidarity March" in the hill districts opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The central government's renewed directives underline a significant step toward restoring order and stability in Manipur, aiming to provide relief to its residents amidst prolonged ethnic tensions.