Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a crucial high-level review of the ongoing situation in Manipur on Friday, January 3, 2026. The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on the ground realities in the violence-affected state with Governor Ajay Bhalla and senior state officials.
High-Level Review Amid Impending Deadline
The timing of this review is significant as it comes just weeks before the current period of President's Rule is scheduled to end on February 13, 2026. Official sources indicate the central government is actively considering an extension of central rule in the state. The President's Rule was initially imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025. Consequently, the state legislative assembly, whose elected term lasts until 2027, remains in a state of suspended animation.
Meeting Details and Attendees
During the review, Amit Shah received detailed presentations and held extensive discussions on the current security and administrative scenario in Manipur. The Home Minister assessed the progress of measures taken to restore normalcy. The meeting was attended by key figures including:
- Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla
- Manipur Government Adviser Kuldiep Singh
- Chief Secretary P.K. Goel
- Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh
The presence of the state's top bureaucrat and police chief underscores the meeting's operational focus on governance and law and order.
Background of the Ongoing Crisis
The review comes against the backdrop of prolonged ethnic strife that erupted in the state approximately two years ago. The conflict, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has had devastating consequences. More than 260 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced from their homes, creating a severe humanitarian challenge.
Security forces have been continuously engaged in search operations and area domination exercises across the state since the violence began. The central and state administrations have been working on multiple fronts to quell the unrest, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and initiate a sustainable political dialogue.
The outcome of this high-level review is expected to directly inform the Union Cabinet's decision on whether to recommend a further extension of President's Rule to Parliament, seeking to provide continued central oversight during this fragile period in Manipur's history.
