Sat Mar 01 09:56:48 UTC 2025: ## Shah Orders Free Movement of People in Manipur, Crackdown on Obstructions
**Imphal, Manipur –** Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the free movement of people on all roads in Manipur starting March 8th, issuing a strict warning against any attempts to obstruct traffic. The directive follows a high-level security review meeting held in Delhi, the first since the imposition of President’s Rule in the violence-stricken state on February 13th.
The meeting, attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, top state officials, and representatives from the Army and paramilitary forces, focused on restoring normalcy in Manipur, which has endured nearly two years of ethnic clashes resulting in over 200 deaths. The violence, sparked by a “Tribal Solidarity March” in May 2023, has seen intense conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
A key concern addressed was the retrieval of thousands of weapons looted from police stations during the initial outbreak of violence. Following an ultimatum from Governor Bhalla, over 300 weapons have been surrendered, with the deadline extended to March 6th. The Home Ministry also emphasized the need to dismantle the entire drug trafficking network in the state as part of a broader effort to restore peace and stability.
The recent review comes after an economic blockade on National Highway 2, imposed by a Kuki group in January, was lifted. The state assembly has been suspended, and the central government continues its efforts to disarm the population and quell the unrest.
First Piper 