New Delhi, March 1, 2025 — To bring back normalcy in Manipur, which is hit by violence, a decisive order for ensuring free movement of people on all roads was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah starting March 8. This order was given at a high-level meeting held in New Delhi to assess the prevailing security situation in the state.
Critical Directives Issued
During the meeting, Home Minister Shah outlined a number of important recommendations intended to stabilize the affected region:
Unrestricted Movement: All roads in Manipur will be open to public movement by March 8. Shah instructed that strict action should be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct movement.
Strengthening Border Security: In order to prevent illegal cross-border activities, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar border, Shah ordered the urgent completion of fencing on each side of regulated entry points to curb unauthorized movement, which is aggravating distress in the region.
Patrolling Off Drug Trafficking: A crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating in the state was ordered, in order to destroy Manipur’s drug trafficking problem. This includes disarming the entire drug supply chain and very strict action against those involved.
Addressing Extortion: Shah outlined the sustained cause for an uncompromising fight against extortion activities that are long-standing in the state. The security forces were ordered to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against such actions.
Meeting Background
This high-level review meeting was the first of its kind since the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly has been under suspended animation, but lasted until 2027.
The meeting was attended by some key officials, including Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Eastern Command Army General, Directors General of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), security advisor for Manipur, and senior officials from the state administration.
Unrest Background
Since May 2023, Manipur has been reeling from ethnic violence witnessed between the Meitei community living in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribes settled in the neighboring hills. The unrest followed a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ that opposed the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The ensuing clashes have left over 250 dead, while thousands have been displaced, ushering in a period of insecurity of indefinite duration.
Takedown of Illegal Arms
In retaliation, a great deal of arms were looted from police establishments across Manipur. In this regard, Bhalla made an appeal to people on February 20 to voluntarily surrender looted and illegal arms for a week, assuring there would be no punitive action during that period. Using this initiative, over 300 arms were surrendered from the valley districts. Among them, 246 firearms were handed over by Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei insurgent group. Impressed by the response, the deadline was extended to March 6, 4 p.m., for more people to come forward.
Commitment of the Government towards Peace
The Home Minister reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Manipur. He assured assistance in entailing everything necessary to restore an even footing, adding to the effect that there would be complete support by the government in bringing normalcy to the state.
