On Saturday (1st March), Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. The Home Minister reviewed the security situation in violence-hit Manipur and ordered strict action against those who attempt to create obstructions. He also instructed the officials to ensure free movement of people on all roads in Manipur from March 8. It is pertinent to note that this was the first security review meeting headed by the Home Minister after the President’s Rule was imposed in the state.
Addressing the high-level meeting, HM Shah said, “Free movement must be ensured for people on all roads in Manipur from March 8, and strict action be taken against anyone attempting to create obstructions. “
He asserted that the Union government remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Manipur and providing all necessary assistance in this regard.
HM Shah further emphasised on the need for speeding up the fencing work along Manipur’s international border to enhance border security.
The Home Minister added, “Strict action should continue to be taken in all cases of extortion. Fencing work on both sides of the designated entry points along Manipur’s international border should be completed at the earliest.”
With the aim to ensure drug free Manipur, HM Shah stressed the need to dismantle the entire network involved in the drug trade.
The focus of such High-level meetings has been to bring back normalcy in the restive state and ensure that warring ethnic groups surrender illegal and looted firearms.
The key officials part of the high-level meeting included Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, officials from the Manipur government, top army officers, and senior officials from paramilitary forces.
Last month, the President Droupadi Murmu imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13 after the state Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly has a tenure till 2027 but currently it has been put under suspended animation.