Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Friday, January 2, 2026. This gathering aimed to address the long-standing unrest in the northeastern state. As Amit Shah reviews Manipur security situation, the timing carries immense weight. The current term of President’s Rule in Manipur expires on February 13, 2026. This deadline forces the central government to make a choice about the state’s governance and its path toward normalcy.
The meeting saw attendance from top officials. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, and Chief Secretary Puneet Goel joined the discussions. Director General of Police Rajiv Singh provided ground-level insights. Together, they assessed the effectiveness of central force deployments and the status of law and order across the sensitive hill and valley districts.
Read More: Security Tightened Along India-Bangladesh Border in Tripura Amid Armed Group Movement
The government is prioritizing safety as it looks toward the end of central rule. Since the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in February 2025, the state has remained under direct central administration. Many local leaders now want to restore a popular government. However, the Home Ministry maintains that stability must come first.
Urgent Push for IDP Rehabilitation
A major portion of the discussion focused on the thousands of citizens living in relief camps. Manipur has struggled with ethnic conflict since May 2023. This violence displaced nearly 60,000 people. During the session where Amit Shah reviews Manipur security situation, the Home Minister issued clear directives. He told the Chief Secretary to ensure that every displaced person has access to food, water, and medicine.
The government recently began a project to relocate families back to their original homes. However, this process remains fragile. Last month, militants opened fire near a relocation site shortly after families moved back. Amit Shah emphasized that rehabilitation cannot succeed without absolute security. He demanded a “zero-tolerance” approach toward those who use violence to block the return of families. He also stressed the need for better education and health facilities for children in relief camps.
The Home Minister reviewed a comprehensive 523-crore resettlement package. This fund helps rebuild partially damaged houses and supports inter-district relocation. Officials noted that 10,000 people have already returned home. Another 4,000 houses are currently under construction. The government aims to create a secure environment so that trust can return among all stakeholders.
The Looming President’s Rule Deadline
The political future of Manipur remains a central theme of these talks. Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. With the one-year mark approaching, the Centre must decide whether to extend the rule or allow an elected government to return. Many BJP legislators from Manipur have visited New Delhi to meet with central leadership. These MLAs argue that a popular government is necessary to restore public confidence.
Opposition leaders have also voiced their opinions. Some suggest dissolving the assembly to hold fresh elections. They believe a new mandate is the only way to achieve lasting peace. The current assembly remains in suspended animation with a tenure until 2027. The Home Ministry is weighing these political options against the current security data. The outcome of this review will set the tone for the Union Cabinet’s recommendation to the President.
Strategy for Lasting Peace and Stability
Security agencies have conducted massive search operations recently. Just this week, forces recovered and neutralized 27 country-made bombs in Imphal East. This discovery highlights the continued presence of illegal arms. During the meeting, the Home Minister directed the BSF and CRPF to maintain a strict vigil in the “buffer zones” between the hills and the valley.
Amit Shah also spoke about the need for a coordinated approach. He noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs is ready to talk to both Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The goal is to bridge the deep ethnic divide that has paralyzed the state. The government believes that infrastructure development will help the youth move away from violence. He also ordered the completion of border fencing to prevent external elements from fueling the crisis.
The next few weeks are crucial for the residents of Manipur. If the security situation shows marked improvement, the central government may facilitate the formation of an inclusive government. This government would need to represent all communities. The Home Minister’s review serves as a reminder that the central government remains committed to the safety of every citizen. The eyes of the nation are now on the February 13 deadline to see if peace will finally take a permanent hold.
Read More: Apple Urges iPhone Users to Ditch Chrome for Safari