Amit Shah reviews Manipur law and order situation with CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday held a high‑level review of Manipur’s law and order and security situation with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi , underscoring the central government’s focus on stabilising the conflict‑torn northeastern state . The meeting at the Parliament House complex focused on evaluating the prevailing security scenario, strengthening communal harmony and expediting the peace process , officials said.

Shah directed the state government to accelerate the ongoing peace efforts and consolidate bonhomie among different communities , emphasising the need for quick and effective measures to restore peace and ensure citizens’ safety. “We must expedite dialogue and cooperation to bring lasting stability to Manipur,” he said during the discussion, according to senior government sources.

The Union Home Minister also gave in‑principle approval for the raising of a Mahila India Reserve Battalion (IRB) for Manipur to enhance internal security and asked the Chief Minister to send a detailed proposal for formal approval. “This battalion will bolster our capacity to maintain law and order and protect all sections of society,” Shah noted, as quoted by officials present at the meeting.

The review came amid intensified security operations in the state. In coordinated actions across valley districts, police and security forces arrested three militants belonging to proscribed outfits on charges of extortion and criminal activities , a police statement said on Thursday. One suspect linked to the PREPAK group was apprehended in Imphal West, a cadre of the People’s Liberation Army was arrested in Imphal East, and an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (MFL) was taken into custody in Imphal East district.

In separate operations in Thoubal district’s Heirok Part‑II area, security forces also recovered a huge cache of ammunition and explosives , including two hand grenades , five firearm magazines and 2,388 rounds of ammunition of various calibres , highlighting ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms supply to banned groups.

Manipur’s security landscape remains volatile in other regions as well. In the hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong, tensions have risen sharply after the killing of four cadres associated with a faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim‑IM, prompting local organisations to call for a transparent probe into the incident amid reports of protests and unrest.

Civil unrest has also been evident in parts of Churachandpur, where five individuals were arrested for allegedly setting fire to vehicles belonging to security forces during demonstrations , pointing to broader societal frustrations.