'Free movement of public, strict action against those creating hurdles': Home minister Amit Shah reviews Manipur situation

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the security situation in ethnic strife-torn Manipur and directed free movement of the public across state from March 8. This was the first meeting since the imposition of President's rule in the northeastern state after N Biren Singh resigned from the chief ministerial position.
The ministry of home affairs also called for strict action against those creating obstructions towards establishing peace and security in the state.
"Union home minister Amit Shah today chaired a high-level review meeting on the

security situation in Manipur

in New Delhi. In the meeting, the home minister directed that from March 8, 2025, free movement of the public should be ensured on all routes in Manipur, and strict action should be taken against those creating obstructions," the MHA said.

President's rule was imposed in the state on February 13 following the resignation of CM N Biren Singh, placing the state assembly—whose tenure runs until 2027—under suspension. The security review meeting took place in response to the governor's February 20 ultimatum, demanding the surrender of all illegal and looted arms.
During the initial phase of the ethnic violence that erupted nearly 22 months ago, several thousand weapons were looted from the police at various locations across Manipur. The unrest resulted in over 250 fatalities.
The violence erupted in May 2023 following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts, held to oppose the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Despite efforts by the central government to bring the warring communities to the negotiating table, lasting peace remains elusive in the northeastern state.