ALSO READ: Security forces in Manipur have begun dismantling unauthorized roadblocks along key highways as part of efforts to restore free movement. With President’s Rule in place, the Centre is intensifying measures to stabilize the violence-hit state.
BY PC Bureau
Conceding to key demands of the majority Meitei population and their leadership, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ordered a decisive crackdown on poppy cultivation, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration along the Indo-Myanmar border while also directing security forces to ensure the free movement of people across all roads in Manipur starting March 8.
Shah also laid emphasis on recovery of looted weapons and restoration of law and order in the state at earliest.Sources said that Amit Shah emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue between different stakeholders, including representatives of the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, to resolve the complex situation in Manipur.
Chairing a high-level security review meeting, Shah emphasized the need to expedite border fencing to curb unauthorized cross-border movement and dismantle drug networks fueling the state’s ethnic tensions
. Additionally, he called for the removal of unauthorized checkpoints along highways and strict action against those obstructing roads, conceding key demands of Meitei organizations, including COCOMI and Arambai Tenggol.
The meeting was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, Manipur Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, state Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Additional Secretary (North East) Piyush Goyal and other senior officers of the MHA.
This was the first such meeting held since the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13. The northeastern state has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, which has claimed over 250 lives.
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Chaired a review meeting on the security situation in Manipur today.
Directed to ensure free movement on all routes in Manipur from the 8th of March and strict action against those creating obstructions. All cases of extortion to be dealt with continued harshness, and the work… pic.twitter.com/AAIFpcfxGt
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 1, 2025
Security Forces Begin Removing Checkpoints
The security forces have already commenced clearing illegal roadblocks and checkpoints set up by armed groups and local vigilantes along key highways. These barricades have disrupted movement, hindered essential supplies, and contributed to lawlessness in the state. Officials noted that NH-2 and NH-37—Manipur’s crucial lifelines linking Imphal to Nagaland and Assam—have been significantly affected by such blockades.
While efforts to restore unrestricted movement are underway, the process faces resistance. Armed groups controlling certain areas, fears of fresh clashes, and the challenge of maintaining law and order while addressing civilian concerns make the task complex. Security forces remain on high alert, monitoring volatile regions to prevent further disruptions.
Crackdown on Drug Trafficking and Border Security
Beyond internal roadblocks, Shah emphasized the need to curb cross-border movement along the Indo-Myanmar border, a persistent issue fueling Manipur’s ethnic tensions. He instructed officials to expedite fencing at designated entry points to prevent unauthorized crossings and smuggling activities.
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Additionally, Shah reinforced the government’s commitment to making Manipur drug-free, directing security agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and intensify surveillance along known smuggling routes. The crackdown on narcotics aligns with the Centre’s broader strategy to address organized crime and insurgent funding in the region.
Weapons Surrender and Law & Order Review
The meeting also reviewed the response to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal for the surrender of weapons looted during the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. While security agencies report some progress in arms recovery, concerns remain over hidden stockpiles in conflict-prone areas.
Despite no major incidents of ethnic violence in the past four months, tensions persist, necessitating continuous monitoring and proactive intervention by security forces. Officials emphasized that restoring stability requires sustained enforcement and community engagement.
Political and Administrative Context
This development follows the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9 and the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13. With the state assembly under suspended animation, its powers have been transferred to Parliament.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes erupted after a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The ongoing crisis has claimed over 250 lives and led to large-scale displacement.
In November last year, Amit Shah convened a similar high-level security meeting in the national capital to assess the situation. The latest review underscores the Centre’s determination to restore law and order and work toward lasting peace in the state.
