Amit Shah Orders Free Movement on Manipur Roads from March 8: Strict Action Against Obstructions

Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a major directive on Saturday, March 1, 2025, to ensure free movement of people on all roads in Manipur starting March 8. Chairing a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi, Shah ordered officials to take strict action against anyone creating roadblocks, signaling a firm push to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, focused on stabilizing Manipur, which has faced ethnic unrest since May 2023. Shah emphasized, “Free movement must be ensured for people on all roads in Manipur from March 8, and strict action be taken against anyone attempting to create obstructions.” He reassured that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is fully committed to bringing lasting peace to the region.

To tackle security concerns, Shah stressed speeding up fencing along Manipur’s border with Myanmar. “Fencing work on both sides of the designated entry points along Manipur’s international border should be completed at the earliest,” he said. This aims to curb illegal crossings linked to the state’s unrest.
Shah also targeted drug trafficking, a growing issue in Manipur. “The entire network involved in the drug trade should be dismantled to make Manipur drug-free,” he added, alongside orders to crack down on extortion cases.

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This was Shah’s first security review since President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation. The state assembly remains suspended until 2027. Attendees included Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, top army and paramilitary officers, and state officials.

The directive comes amid efforts to recover thousands of weapons looted during the ethnic violence, which has claimed over 250 lives. Shah’s orders reflect a broader strategy to ease tensions and ensure safety as Manipur prepares for freer movement next week. With strict enforcement promised, the focus now shifts to how these measures will reshape the state’s fragile peace.