Signs of fragile calm are beginning to surface in Manipur after over a year of ethnic bloodshed, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla asserting on Saturday that peace and normalcy are returning through the combined efforts of the government, armed forces and civil society organisations.
Speaking at a Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration in Imphal, Bhalla acknowledged the pain inflicted by the conflict, which has left over 260 dead and displaced thousands across the state.
“Many have lost their lives and thousands have become homeless in the ethnic violence in Manipur,” he said. “The government has taken various steps to resolve the crisis and restore peace and confidence.”
The governor highlighted recent successes in joint security operations involving Manipur Police and central forces. Numerous insurgents engaged in extortion, including those operating cyber-enabled rackets and militia funding, have been arrested in intensified crackdowns over the past few months, he noted.
“Peace and normalcy are returning to the state with the collaborative efforts of the government, armed forces and civil society organisations,” Bhalla added.
A dedicated anti-extortion cell has been created, with a confidential helpline linking state police, Central Forces, the Assam Rifles and the Army. Officials hope this mechanism will streamline reporting, deter criminal networks, and safeguard citizens from unlawful financial demands.
To stabilise daily life, authorities have fortified multiple checkpoints across hill and valley districts, including national highways, to guarantee the flow of essential supplies such as food and medicines. These actions, combined with grassroots outreach, are aimed at dismantling armed networks and re-establishing order.
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“Further, several initiatives are being taken to ensure the displaced people regain hope and skills,” Bhalla said. “Dialogue is underway with civil society organisations from Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga communities for voluntary resettlement of internally displaced persons and inclusive safety guarantees.”
Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since 13 February, after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the subsequent suspension of the state assembly.
Security forces recover arms in Imphal Valley raids
Later in the day, security agencies carried out extensive raids in five districts of the Imphal Valley, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur, recovering a significant cache of illegal weapons, ammunition and explosives.
According to a police official, the raids were based on specific intelligence inputs and executed jointly by personnel from Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
Seized arms included three AK-series rifles, one M16 rifle, five INSAS rifles, an INSAS light machine gun, four self-loading rifles, 20 pistols, four carbines, seven .303 rifles, and eight other firearms. Authorities also recovered 728 rounds of live ammunition, 21 grenades, six improvised explosive devices, 21 magazines and 24 wireless communication sets.
Police appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal weapons to the nearest station or the central control room.
“Public cooperation is crucial in ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the officer said.
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