Amit Shah orders free movement on Manipur roads from March 8

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed that free movement of people must be ensured on all roads in Manipur starting March 8, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to obstruct movement. The directive was issued during a high-level security review meeting held in the national capital to assess the situation in the conflict-hit state.

“The Union government remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Manipur and providing all necessary assistance in this regard,” Shah stated during the meeting. He also emphasized the urgent need to accelerate fencing work along both sides of designated entry points on Manipur’s international border to enhance security.

The review meeting was attended by the Governor of Manipur, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, the Army Commander of the Eastern Command, as well as top officials from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Army, and the Manipur administration, as reported by PTI.

During the meeting, Swehah reiterated that strict action must continue in all cases of extortion and directed authorities to dismantle the entire network involved in drug trafficking to achieve a drug-free Manipur.

This security review comes after the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.

Saturday’s meeting marked the first security review chaired by Amit Shah since the imposition of President’s Rule, with a focus on restoring normalcy in the state and ensuring the surrender of illegal and looted arms held by various groups.

MT