March 1st 2025.
In a high-level meeting held in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the security situation in Manipur and issued a directive to ensure the free movement of people on all routes in the state from March 8. He also emphasized the need for strict action against those who create obstructions.
The directive holds significant importance as travel through areas inhabited by the Imphal valley-based Meiteis and the neighbouring hills-based Kukis had been completely prohibited since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the two communities in May 2023. While the Kukis often travel through Mizoram to leave the state, the Meiteis tend to avoid the hills where the Kukis reside.
This move is seen as a confidence-building step and comes just 10 days after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's order for individuals in possession of illegal and looted arms to surrender at security posts. During the review meeting, Shah reassured that the Centre is fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Manipur and is providing all necessary assistance in this regard.
The Home Minister directed that the free movement of people should be ensured on all roads in Manipur and strict action should be taken against anyone causing obstructions. This was the first such meeting held after President's rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
Sources reveal that Shah was briefed on the overall law and order situation in the state and took stock of the security situation. He also directed for the fencing work on both sides of the designated entry points along Manipur's international border to be completed at the earliest. To make Manipur drug-free, the Home Minister stressed on dismantling the entire network involved in the drug trade.
The meeting was attended by Governor Bhalla, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Deputy Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Army's Eastern Command, and other officials. The security review was held in light of the February 20 ultimatum given by the Governor for individuals holding illegal and looted arms to surrender.
During the seven-day period, over 300 weapons were surrendered, primarily in the valley districts, with 246 firearms surrendered by the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol. Bhalla extended the deadline for surrendering of arms until March 6 following demands from people in both hill and valley areas for additional time. It is estimated that several thousand arms were looted from the police during the initial phase of the ethnic violence that began about 22 months ago.
Since taking over as Governor on January 3, Bhalla has been actively seeking feedback from a cross section of people on how to restore normalcy in Manipur. He has chaired several meetings in the state where the law and order situation was discussed and has given necessary directives to the security forces. Bhalla, who had previously worked closely with Shah for five years, was personally chosen by the Home Minister to bring back peace in the restive state.
The violence in Manipur started after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status in May 2023. PTI
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