Amit Shah reviews Manipur security, focuses on recovering weapons and restoring peace

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a key security review meeting on Saturday to assess the situation in Manipur. This was his first meeting on the issue after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister on February 11.

Shah’s main instructions to officials were:

Recover stolen weapons from police armories.

Control violence and prevent further clashes.

Restore normalcy and ensure free movement for all communities.

High-Level Meeting on Manipur Crisis

The meeting took place at North Block in Delhi and lasted for an hour. It was attended by:

Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla

Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh

State DGP Rajiv Singh

Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan

Senior officials from CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles, and the Indian Army

After the meeting, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement:

“Free movement of people on all roads in Manipur must be ensured from March 8, 2025. Strict action will be taken against anyone trying to create obstructions.”

Safe Passage and Security Measures

To ease tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, security forces will ensure safe movement:

Meiteis will be able to travel through the hills to leave the state.

Kukis will be allowed to pass through the valley to reach Imphal for flights.

Currently, both communities remain separated and cannot cross each other’s areas. Authorities have already begun removing illegal checkposts set up by both groups.

To improve security, the government is also deploying armed convoys to ensure safe transport of goods and people. At present, the hills receive supplies via Mizoram, as Meitei groups block access through the valley.

Border Fencing and Drug Crackdown

Shah has also ordered faster completion of fencing along Manipur’s international border. Additionally, he emphasized the need to dismantle drug networks, a key demand of the Meitei community.

Weapons Recovery: Top Priority

A senior Home Ministry official stated:

“The home minister was clear that the first step to restoring normalcy in Manipur is recovering stolen weapons. Security forces must prevent any fresh outbreak of violence.”

Since violence erupted in May 2023, nearly 250 people have died in ethnic clashes. Mobs from both communities have looted over 6,000 weapons from police armories.

Amnesty Scheme for Surrendering Weapons

Governor Bhalla, now responsible for Manipur under President’s Rule, has introduced an amnesty scheme to encourage armed groups to voluntarily surrender their weapons.

The scheme’s initial deadline ended on February 29.

246 weapons were surrendered by the Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol, which has been involved in conflicts with Kuki groups.

The deadline has now been extended to March 6 after requests from both communities.

Next Steps

For now, the government’s focus remains on maintaining peace rather than pushing for direct talks between Meiteis and Kukis. The Intelligence Bureau and North East Advisor A.K. Mishra will continue discussions with leaders from both sides.

By ensuring stability, the government hopes to create conditions for future peace talks.