Shah asks Manipur CM to speed up peace efforts

April 1, 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi, focusing on the law-and-order situation in the conflict-hit state.

During the meeting at the Parliament House complex, Shah reviewed the prevailing security scenario and emphasized the need for urgent and sustained efforts to restore peace and stability in Manipur.

Direction to fast-track peace process

The Home Minister directed the Chief Minister to accelerate the ongoing peace process in the state. He stressed that efforts aimed at reconciliation must be intensified to address the long-standing tensions between communities.

Shah also underlined the importance of strengthening trust and cooperation among different ethnic groups, urging the state government to build on the “growing bonhomie” and ensure that it translates into lasting peace on the ground.

Focus on inter-community harmony

A key highlight of the meeting was the focus on promoting inter-community harmony. Manipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities since 2023, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.

Shah asked the state leadership to prioritise initiatives that encourage dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding among communities, noting that social cohesion is critical for long-term stability.

Centre’s support for security strengthening

Apart from peace efforts, the Centre also assured support in strengthening the state’s security infrastructure. Shah gave in-principle approval for raising a Mahila India Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Manipur, aimed at enhancing policing capacity and women’s participation in security forces.

The Chief Minister has been asked to submit a formal proposal for the same, indicating continued central assistance in tackling the situation.

Background: Prolonged ethnic unrest

Manipur has been facing prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023, triggered by tensions over demands for Scheduled Tribe status and other socio-political issues. The clashes between communities have resulted in over 250 deaths and displacement of thousands of people, making it one of the most serious internal security challenges in recent years.

Despite multiple interventions by security forces and the government, sporadic incidents of violence and mistrust between communities continue to pose challenges.

Renewed push for reconciliation

The meeting signals a renewed push by the central government to stabilise the situation through a combination of security measures and reconciliation efforts. Officials indicated that restoring peace in Manipur remains a top priority for both the Centre and the state government.

The emphasis on dialogue and harmony suggests a shift towards long-term solutions rather than short-term containment of violence.

Way forward

With the Centre closely monitoring developments, the onus is now on the state government to implement peace-building measures effectively. Accelerating rehabilitation, ensuring safety, and rebuilding trust among communities will be crucial in the coming months.

The outcome of these efforts will determine whether Manipur can move towards lasting peace after nearly three years of unrest, as authorities work to restore normalcy and stability in the region.