Shah reviews Manipur security with CM, approves Mahila Reserve battalion

Imphal, Mar 30: Amid continuing concerns over Manipur’s fragile law and order situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Wednesday, held a high-level security review meeting with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh in New Delhi.

The meeting, held at the Parliament House complex around 11.30 am, focused on expediting the peace process and restoring trust among communities in the conflict-hit state.

According to sources, Shah directed the state government to accelerate reconciliation efforts and work towards rebuilding bonhomie across communities, a goal that has remained difficult to achieve on the ground nearly two years after ethnic violence broke out in May 2023.

In a key decision, the Home Minister also gave in-principle approval for raising a Mahila India Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Manipur.

The state government has been asked to submit a formal proposal. The move is expected to bolster the security framework while enhancing women’s participation in policing.

Chief Minister Singh had rushed to the national capital on Tuesday evening, underlining the urgency of the situation as sporadic tensions continue despite sustained security operations.

Sources indicated that persistent law and order challenges remain a major concern for the state government. Issues such as pending cabinet expansion and the slow pace of normalcy have also added to the pressure on the administration.

Demands from valley-based civil society groups for the restoration of free movement along key highways up to Churachandpur and Moreh continue to remain unresolved, highlighting the incomplete return to normalcy.

Further, the situation in Ukhrul district has emerged as an additional challenge, raising concerns about stability in the hill areas.

The review meeting assumes significance as Manipur continues to balance security enforcement with reconciliation efforts. The Centre is understood to be pushing a dual approach, strengthening ground-level security while accelerating the peace process.

Observers note that unless tangible progress is made in ensuring free movement and addressing district-level instability, claims of improving normalcy may remain largely limited.