Security has been stepped up across Mizoram and Manipur ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s weekend tour, which will see him inaugurate key railway projects and address public meetings.
In Aizawl, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) H Ramthlengliana said all units had been placed on high alert with special deployments in the state capital. “All police units across the state have been alerted, and elaborate security arrangements were made in the state capital Aizawl,” he informed. Two companies each of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are also being stationed to supplement local police, he added.
Traffic restrictions will take effect from Friday evening, with Aizawl Senior Superintendent of Police Ruatsanga Ralte issuing orders banning the movement of heavy and medium vehicles into the city until Saturday evening. Road closures have also been announced along stretches between Thuampui, Venghlui, Lengpui airport and other areas linked to the Prime Minister’s route.
The Aizawl Municipal Corporation has directed roadside shops and private offices to remain closed on the main Thuampui–Lammual road until Modi leaves the city.
Modi is expected to land at Lengpui airport on Saturday morning before being flown by helicopter to Thuampui. He will inaugurate the Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge railway line, linking Mizoram’s capital to the national rail network, and flag off three new train services — a Rajdhani Express to Delhi, along with direct connections to Kolkata and Guwahati. He will also inaugurate two educational institutions and lay foundation stones for six projects before moving on to Manipur, officials said.
In neighbouring Manipur, security measures are already under way in Imphal and Churachandpur, with both state and central forces securing the historic Kangla Fort and the Peace Ground venue. This will be Modi’s first visit to the state since ethnic clashes between Kukis and Meiteis erupted in May 2023, leaving more than 250 people dead and thousands displaced.
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Frisking and vehicle checks have intensified at Sanjenthong, Minuthong and Moirangkhom leading to Kangla Fort. “Sniffer dogs and advanced tools are being used to detect any unwanted materials. Security personnel are taking turns to patrol the periphery and premises of the fort on foot to scan for any unwanted signs. Entry of all to the fort is being registered and checked, and tourist access to the fort has been restricted,” a central security official told PTI.
Bamboo barricades are being put up along the route from the BSF camp to Churachandpur’s Peace Ground, where the Prime Minister is likely to address another public meeting. Officials said the stretch is being decorated with flowers and guarded by paramilitary personnel.
Daily meetings of security agencies continue in both states, with maximum alert status already issued. In Manipur, search operations and area domination drives have intensified across vulnerable districts. Temporary checkpoints have been set up across both valley and hill areas.
Officials said three militants were arrested in the last 48 hours as part of the crackdown. A cadre of the banned PREPAK group was detained with a pistol in Imphal West, while another from the proscribed UNLF (Koireng) was picked up in Bishnupur district. A third, linked to the outlawed KCP (Taibangnganba), was arrested in Imphal East.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will reach Aizawl on Friday to join the inaugural function and inspect the Sairang station.
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