News Brief
Ensure Unrestricted Movement On Manipur Roads From 8 March, Crack Down On Blockades: Amit Shah
HM Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (1 March) issued a directive mandating that all roads in Manipur must remain open for the free movement of people from 8 March.
He further ordered authorities to take strict action against anyone attempting to obstruct movement on the roads.
The directive followed a high-level security review meeting chaired by Shah earlier to assess the situation in the violence-hit state.
The meeting, held in Delhi, focused on restoring normalcy in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.
This was the first such review meeting held since the imposition of President's Rule in the state.
For nearly two years, the state has witnessed widespread violence, with over 200 people losing their lives in clashes.
A Kuki group imposed an economic blockade in January on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur), which goes through Kangpokpi district. The blockade was later lifted.
"To make Manipur drug-free, the entire network involved in drug trade should be dismantled," a statement from the Home ministry read, NDTV reported.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with senior officials from the state government, the Army, and paramilitary forces, attended the meeting.
In the seven days after the ultimatum, over 300 weapons were turned in, with most coming from the valley districts.
Around 246 firearms were surrendered by the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
Following requests from residents of both the hill and valley regions, the governor on Friday extended the deadline for surrendering illegal weapons until 4 pm on March 6.
Thousands of weapons had been looted from police stations across Manipur during the initial phase of ethnic violence.
The central government has since been making efforts to recover these weapons as part of its larger plan to restore stability.
President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on 13 February following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The state assembly, which is set to run until 2027, has been suspended.
