IMPHAL, Feb 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to review the security situation in Manipur on Saturday, marking the first such meeting after the imposition of President’s rule in the state. The review will take place against the backdrop of ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023.
Officials confirmed that Shah will be joined by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, top Manipur government officials, and senior representatives from the Army and paramilitary forces. This meeting is expected to address the ongoing unrest and security challenges in the region.
The imposition of President’s rule on February 13 followed the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and the state assembly has been placed under suspended animation. This move also followed a series of violent clashes in Manipur, resulting in significant casualties and widespread disruption.
As part of the ongoing security efforts, Governor Bhalla had issued an ultimatum on February 20, calling for the surrender of all illegal and looted arms. The seven day period saw over 300 weapons, including 246 firearms surrendered by the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol. Bhalla, who took charge as governor on January 3, has been actively engaging with citizens and security forces to restore normalcy.
The governor on Friday extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 pm on March 6 following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for additional time. The extended deadline for arms surrender comes after pressure from both hill and valley communities seeking more time to comply.
Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary who worked closely with Shah, has been tasked with ensuring stability and normalcy in the state, with ongoing efforts to address law and order issues and secure public safety.
