NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the security situation in Manipur has witnessed marked improvement during 2025, attributing the progress to neutral, transparent and decisive actions by security forces along with proactive government initiatives.

Addressing the annual press conference of the Indian Army ahead of the 78th Army Day in New Delhi, General Dwivedi said the Northeast, particularly Manipur, had shown signs of stabilisation despite regional challenges.

“As regards the Northeast, neutral, transparent and decisive action by security forces, along with many proactive government initiatives, has led to a marked improvement in the situation in Manipur during 2025,” the Army chief said.

He highlighted the peaceful conduct of the Durand Cup, resumption of cultural festivals, and the renewal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki insurgent groups in September 2025 as key indicators of stability returning to the state.

General Dwivedi also said that the Indian Army, in coordination with the Assam Rifles and the Ministry of Home Affairs, has strengthened security measures to insulate the Northeast from spillover effects arising from the ongoing turbulence in neighbouring Myanmar.

“In response to the situation in Myanmar, a comprehensive multi-agency security grid comprising Assam Rifles, the Army and the Home Ministry is working towards shielding the Northeast from spillover effects,” he said.

Referring to political developments across the border, the Army chief expressed optimism that the successful conduct of Phase II elections in Myanmar would pave the way for stronger and more effective engagement between India and Myanmar.

“With the successful conduct of phase two elections in Myanmar, we should be able to engage each other more effectively now,” he added.

General Dwivedi further noted that the situation along India’s northern and northwestern borders remains stable and under firm control, while stressing the importance of constant vigilance.

On Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Union Territory witnessed a significant positive change in 2025, with the transition from “terrorism to tourism” gradually taking shape. He informed that security forces eliminated 31 terrorists during the past year, of whom 65 per cent were of Pakistani origin, including those involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.