‘Ensure free movement on Manipur roads from March 8’: Amit Shah orders officials, directs stern action against obstructors

He directed officials to ensure unrestricted movement on all roads in the state from March 8 and warned of strict action against any obstruction attempts, reported India Today.

"Free movement must be ensured for people on all roads in Manipur from March 8, and strict action be taken against anyone attempting to create obstructions. 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, according to the report.

To bolster border security, he emphasised the urgency of expediting fencing along both sides of the designated entry points on Manipur’s international border.

"Strict action should continue to be taken in all cases of extortion. Fencing work on both sides of the designated entry points along Manipur's international border should be completed at the earliest," he added.

Shah also called for dismantling the entire network involved in the drug trade to make Manipur drug-free.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, focused on restoring normalcy in the violence-hit state and ensuring the surrender of illegal and looted arms held by various groups.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior Manipur government officials, top army officers, and paramilitary force officials were present at the meeting.

This is the first security review meeting chaired by Shah since the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur.

The Central rule was enforced on February 13 after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister.

The state assembly, with its tenure running until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.