Amit Shah orders free movement in Manipur from March 8, warns against roadblocks

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi, directing security forces and the Manipur administration to ensure the free movement of people on all roads in the state from March 8. He warned of strict action against anyone obstructing movement and ordered the removal of all civilian-imposed roadblocks. The meeting was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, senior army officers, and chiefs of the BSF, CRPF, and Assam Rifles.

Since ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023, road blockades have restricted movement between the valley and hill districts. Following the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, security forces dismantled at least 12 major civilian bunkers set up on highways, where armed groups had been monitoring vehicles and restricting travel. A security officer stated that road convoys and security escorts are being planned to allow safe travel between Meitei and Kuki-dominated areas, as both communities have remained largely confined to their territories.

The meeting also focused on recovering weapons looted from police armories. Around 6,500 firearms and 600,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen during the violence, with only about 2,500 weapons recovered so far. Governor Bhalla had set a seven-day deadline for the voluntary surrender of these weapons, which was later extended to March 6. According to officials, 705 firearms and ammunition have been recovered in the last eight days, while armed groups and civilians still hold a significant stockpile of looted weapons.

Another key directive from the Home Minister was the completion of fencing along both sides of the designated entry points on the Indo-Myanmar border to prevent illegal cross-border movement. The meeting also addressed concerns over extortion activities and the impact of civilian roadblocks on essential supply chains. Shah ordered strict action against those involved in extortion and directed authorities to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the state, reinforcing the Centre’s aim to make Manipur drug-free.

Manipur has seen over 250 deaths and 60,000 people displaced due to the ongoing ethnic conflict. The security situation remains tense, with buffer zones maintained between Meitei and Kuki areas to prevent further clashes. While the Centre continues efforts to restore peace, officials stated that the success of security convoys and road-opening measures will depend on local cooperation. Security forces remain deployed to ensure compliance with the new travel directives ahead of the March 8 deadline.