In a significant directive aimed at restoring order in Manipur, Home Minister Amit Shah has mandated that free movement of people be ensured on all roads in the state starting March 8. He also instructed authorities to take strict action against anyone attempting to obstruct road movement.
This directive was issued following a high-level security review meeting chaired by Shah in Delhi. The meeting focused on efforts to stabilise the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.
It was the first such review meeting held since the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. The state has witnessed prolonged unrest, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people in the past two years.
Crackdown on drug trade and illegal weapons
In addition to addressing law and order concerns, Shah emphasized the need to make Manipur drug-free by dismantling the entire drug trade network. A statement from the Home Ministry underscored the government’s commitment to curbing narcotics trafficking in the region.
The meeting was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior officials from the Manipur government, and top commanders from the Army and paramilitary forces.
Security measures have also been reinforced following an ultimatum issued by Governor Bhalla on February 20, directing individuals in possession of illegal and looted weapons to surrender them. In response, more than 300 weapons have been turned in over the past week, primarily in the valley districts. Notably, around 246 firearms were surrendered by the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
To further encourage compliance, the governor extended the deadline for surrendering illegal and looted arms until 4 pm on March 6. The initiative aims to recover thousands of weapons looted from police stations during the initial phase of the ethnic violence.
Also Read: Shah to hold first Manipur security review post-PR tomorrow
President’s Rule and political developments
President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, originally set to function until 2027, has been suspended as part of central governance measures to restore stability.
The unrest in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, following the 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts. The march was organized to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, persistent clashes between the Meitei and tribal communities have kept the state in turmoil.
With renewed efforts from the central government, including stricter law enforcement and arms recovery measures, authorities aim to bring lasting peace and normalcy to the conflict-ridden state.
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