Amit Shah Tells Manipur CM to Speed Up Peace Process, Approves Mahila Battalion

NEW DELHI/IMPHAL: Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a detailed discussion with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday, reviewing the law and order situation in the conflict-affected state and directing the Chief Minister to push the peace process forward more urgently.

The meeting took place at Shah's residence in New Delhi. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh had travelled to the capital specifically for the discussion, arriving on Tuesday evening.

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According to an official from the Manipur Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Shah reviewed the current security situation in the state and issued clear instructions on the way forward.

"The Union Home Minister reviewed the current security scenario in Manipur with the Chief Minister. He also instructed him to expedite the ongoing peace initiatives and consolidate the improving relations among various communities," the CMO official said.

The directive comes as Manipur continues to navigate the aftermath of the ethnic conflict that has gripped the state since May 2023, with multiple communities still working towards reconciliation.

In a significant development from the meeting, Shah gave in-principle approval for the raising of a Manipur Rifles unit — specifically a Mahila India Reserve Battalion for the state.

The Chief Minister has been asked to submit a formal proposal to take the approval process forward. The new battalion, once raised, would add to the state's security infrastructure while also creating opportunities for women in the security forces.

The CMO official noted that since the BJP-led coalition government came to power in Manipur, the state administration has rolled out multiple outreach programmes aimed at building peace, fostering reconciliation, and restoring mutual trust among communities.

Wednesday's meeting in New Delhi appeared aimed at giving fresh momentum to those efforts, with the Home Minister's direct involvement signalling the Centre's continued focus on stabilising the situation in the Northeast state.