Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday convened a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review the security situation and rehabilitation plans for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur, a northeastern state that has been gripped by ethnic violence since May 2023. The meeting brought together senior officials from the state and the Centre to assess ongoing challenges and chart a path toward restoring normalcy for tens of thousands of people displaced by protracted communal strife.

The deliberations were attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, security advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary Puneet Goel. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the review was aimed at assessing the current security situation across both the valley and hill areas of the state, evaluating progress in the rehabilitation of displaced families, and devising strategies to facilitate the safe return and resettlement of IDPs. The meeting also comes ahead of February 13, 2026, which will mark one year since the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur following the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid escalating violence.

Manipur has been embroiled in recurring ethnic conflict primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Since May 3, 2023, clashes have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread displacement, with at least 260 people reported dead and approximately 50,000 forced to flee their homes. These displacements have created long-term humanitarian and administrative challenges, particularly in areas where ethnic divisions remain sharply drawn.

Last month, the state government initiated the first phase of rehabilitation by relocating a group of Meitei IDPs back to homes near the buffer zones that separate them from Kuki-Zo settlements in the hills. The move, however, was met with immediate resistance. Within 24 hours of resettlement, militants from the hills reportedly opened fire toward the villages, highlighting the volatility of the situation and the challenges of restoring peace in ethnically sensitive areas. Security agencies have since maintained a heightened presence to prevent further incidents and protect both returning residents and local communities.

Officials in Delhi confirmed that the Home Minister received detailed briefings on the current security arrangements, the status of IDP resettlement, and the ongoing humanitarian and administrative measures. “The top officials met in Delhi for a detailed security review of Manipur. They briefed the minister on the current situation in both the valley and hill areas. The meeting was also held to discuss the way forward for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced people. Security is of utmost importance, and the review was conducted to ensure that both law enforcement and administrative measures are coordinated,” said an official familiar with the discussions.

The state government has developed a phase-wise plan for the rehabilitation of displaced families. According to sources, Phase I targets families whose homes were only partially damaged, allowing them to return with minimal reconstruction required. Phase II involves the resettlement of families who have been allotted housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme. The third phase encompasses families who were forced to flee either to the valleys or the hills at the onset of the violence and now require coordinated relocation to their original areas of residence. The plan recognizes the persistent ethnic segregation in the state, as Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continue to live in separate districts with limited interaction.

The rehabilitation efforts are backed by financial allocations released to local district magistrates, who have been tasked with rebuilding homes while ensuring that security forces provide protection during reconstruction activities. “A high-level committee headed by the chief secretary, which also includes the police chief and other officials from the home department, has already been constituted to monitor the rehabilitation,” a second official said, emphasizing the importance of coordinated oversight in implementing the plan.

President’s Rule has been in place in Manipur since February 13, 2025, after the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, following nearly two years of recurrent ethnic violence. The imposition of central rule aimed to stabilize the state and restore law and order, a task further reinforced by the appointment of former Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla as the state governor in December 2024. Since then, the state has largely remained peaceful, although sporadic incidents such as attacks on returning IDPs and other flashpoints continue to necessitate a strong security presence.

One of the key challenges highlighted in recent months has been the resettlement process, particularly in areas where tensions remain high. The relocation of IDPs near buffer zones has drawn attention to the delicate balance between humanitarian needs and security concerns. Security forces have been tasked with ensuring that displaced persons can return safely without provoking further clashes, a challenge complicated by local militancy and political sensitivities.

Environmental and infrastructural issues have also intersected with the resettlement and security concerns. A recent order from the National Green Tribunal halted the construction of a road by Kuki-Zo communities aimed at connecting hill districts such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi without passing through Meitei-dominated valleys. The road, intended to facilitate safer travel for hill residents, was stopped due to environmental concerns and the absence of necessary forest clearances, reflecting the complex interplay of developmental, ethnic, and regulatory considerations in the region.

Home Minister Amit Shah’s review underscored the central government’s focus on ensuring coordinated governance and security oversight in Manipur. Officials noted that the rehabilitation of displaced populations, protection of vulnerable communities, and maintenance of public order remain the government’s top priorities. The minister reportedly discussed measures to strengthen security infrastructure, improve surveillance, and ensure that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against potential escalations in conflict-prone areas.

The ethnic strife in Manipur has not only resulted in large-scale displacement but also affected local economies, education, and access to essential services. Relief camps continue to house thousands of IDPs, and state and central authorities have emphasized the need for phased rehabilitation, community reconciliation, and careful monitoring to prevent renewed outbreaks of violence. Efforts are being made to coordinate between district authorities, law enforcement, and community leaders to facilitate safe returns while minimizing friction between ethnic groups.

Officials also highlighted the importance of communication and transparency in the resettlement process. By ensuring that displaced families are informed of rehabilitation plans, receive adequate financial and logistical support, and have access to security, authorities hope to gradually restore confidence and stability in conflict-affected areas. The Home Minister’s review, therefore, serves as both a strategic and symbolic measure to demonstrate the central government’s commitment to addressing long-standing ethnic tensions and the humanitarian needs of displaced persons.

As Manipur approaches the first anniversary of President’s Rule, the state remains under tight supervision by the Centre, with security forces on high alert in sensitive areas. The rehabilitation program, if successfully implemented, could provide a model for conflict management and post-displacement recovery in ethnically divided regions. However, authorities acknowledge that restoring normalcy in Manipur is a long-term challenge, requiring careful planning, sustained security, and ongoing dialogue between communities to prevent the resurgence of violence.

In conclusion, Amit Shah’s meeting with Manipur officials highlights the ongoing efforts by the Centre to address both immediate security concerns and long-term rehabilitation for internally displaced persons. With tens of thousands still living in relief camps, a phased and closely monitored resettlement plan, coupled with heightened security measures, is central to the government’s strategy. The coming months will be critical in determining whether displaced populations can return safely, whether ethnic tensions can be eased, and whether Manipur can move toward lasting peace and stability.