Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed security forces in Manipur to ensure unrestricted movement of people on all roads starting March 8. The directive was issued during a high-level security review meeting held in the national capital on Saturday, focusing on the ongoing ethnic violence in the state since May 3, 2023.
High-Level Security Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including:
- Governor of Manipur
- Union Home Secretary
- Director, Intelligence Bureau
- Deputy Chief of Army Staff
- Army Commander of the Eastern Command
- Directors General of BSF, CRPF, and Assam Rifles
- Security Advisor, Manipur
- Senior officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Army, and the Manipur administration
According to ANI, Amit Shah reiterated the Narendra Modi-led Central government’s commitment to restoring peace in Manipur and assured that all necessary assistance is being provided.
Border Fencing and Strict Action Against Obstructions
During the meeting, Shah directed that fencing work on both sides of the designated entry points along Manipur’s international border be completed as soon as possible. He also instructed strict action against anyone attempting to create obstructions.
This review comes after Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey’s ultimatum on February 20, instructing individuals in possession of illegal and looted weapons to surrender within seven days. Following this order, more than 300 weapons were surrendered, including 246 firearms from the radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
Manipur’s Ongoing Ethnic Violence
Manipur has been experiencing ethnic clashes since May 2023, resulting in at least 260 deaths and the displacement of around 60,000 people.
On February 13, 2024, President’s Rule was imposed in the state, shortly after Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned due to growing dissent among his own BJP MLAs. A month before his resignation, the Centre appointed former Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the Governor of Manipur.
Sources By Agencies
