Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi on Saturday to assess the situation in Manipur and issued directives to ensure free movement of people across all roads in the state from March 8. He emphasized that any attempts to create obstructions should be dealt with strictly, reinforcing the Union government's commitment to restoring lasting peace in the violence-hit region.
Shah also instructed officials to continue taking strict action against extortion activities and expedite fencing work along both sides of Manipur’s designated entry points on the international border. Addressing the growing concerns over the drug trade, he ordered a crackdown on drug networks, stressing that the entire trade system must be dismantled to achieve a drug-free Manipur.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior officials from the Manipur government, top army officers, and paramilitary forces. This marks the first security review chaired by Amit Shah since the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. With the state assembly under suspended animation until its tenure ends in 2027, the Centre has been actively working toward restoring order and stability in the region.
