Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review the security situation in Manipur and assess progress on the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as the deadline for the current spell of President’s Rule in the state draws closer.
According to sources, the meeting brought together Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh and Chief Secretary Puneet Goel. While no official statement was issued after the deliberations, those familiar with the discussions said the focus remained firmly on law and order conditions and the challenges involved in safely rehabilitating thousands displaced by prolonged ethnic violence.
The timing of the review is seen as politically significant, with President’s Rule in Manipur set to expire on February 13, 2026. The Centre’s assessment comes amid renewed political activity and speculation over the future governance of the state, which has remained under central administration following months of unrest.
In recent weeks, several BJP legislators from Manipur have publicly indicated that a popular government would be restored without seeking a further extension of President’s Rule. Party MLAs from the state have also made multiple visits to the national capital, holding consultations with senior central leaders, fuelling expectations of a possible political transition.
Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023, an unrest that has claimed numerous lives and forced tens of thousands from their homes. Official estimates suggest that nearly 60,000 people continue to live in relief camps across different districts, dependent on government assistance for shelter, food and medical care.
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The rehabilitation of IDPs remains one of the most sensitive and complex aspects of the crisis. Last month, authorities began facilitating the return of a group of Meitei displaced persons to their homes. However, the exercise triggered fresh tension, with firing incidents reported from nearby hill areas within 24 hours, highlighting the volatility of the security situation and the risks associated with premature returns.
Officials involved in relief and security management have acknowledged that restoring normalcy will require not only enhanced deployment and coordination among security forces but also confidence-building measures between communities that remain deeply divided after months of violence.
The Centre has repeatedly maintained that stabilising the security environment and ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced families are key priorities. Friday’s meeting is understood to have reviewed ground-level assessments, coordination between civil administration and security agencies, and the pace of rehabilitation efforts amid continuing uncertainty.
With the February deadline approaching, the outcome of such reviews is expected to shape decisions on whether Manipur will see the reinstatement of an elected government or an extension of central rule. For now, the focus remains on preventing further violence and creating conditions that would allow displaced residents to return home without fear.
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