Shah orders free movement in Manipur, action against peace disrupters
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered that free movement of people be ensured on all roads in Manipur from March 8, 2025.
The directive came after a high-level review meeting on the state's security situation.
It was the first such meeting since the President's Rule was imposed on February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation.
Unrest background
Ethnic violence and arms surrender in Manipur
The northeastern state has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 2023, which started after a "Tribal Solidarity March" was held to oppose the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The unrest that broke out since then has left over 250 dead.
In the first phase of violence, several thousand weapons were looted from police stations across Manipur.
Arms recovery
Governor's ultimatum and arms surrender
In light of the prevailing tensions, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had given an ultimatum on February 20 to those in possession of illegal and looted arms to surrender them.
Over 300 weapons have been surrendered so far, including 246 firearms from the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
The deadline to surrender these arms has been extended till March 6 at 4:00pm.
Peace initiatives
Home minister's directive and efforts toward stabilization
Shah stressed that strict action against those impeding peace efforts or obstructing its security.
"The home minister directed that from March 8, 2025, free movement of the public should be ensured on all routes in Manipur," the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
Further, networks involved in the drug trade are being dismantled as part of broader stabilization strategies.