Imphal, Feb 5 (NationPress) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla emphasized that ensuring law and order is the primary focus of the government as steps are being taken to return to normalcy and guarantee public safety throughout the state.

During the initial session of the state assembly this year, the Governor remarked that the collaborative efforts of both the Central and state governments, along with security forces, civil administration, and community organizations, have paved the way for Manipur to progress toward peace and stability.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in restoring peace and normalcy within the state. Intelligence-driven operations, area control, and collaborative cordon-and-search missions across vulnerable districts have significantly improved the overall law and order condition,” Bhalla shared with the assembly.

He informed the members that the unified security framework has been strengthened through consistent coordination at both the Unified Headquarters and district levels. A total of 272 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), supported by state police, Assam Rifles, and Army units, have been deployed to secure vulnerable regions, critical installations, highways, and agricultural zones, Bhalla noted, who previously served as the Union Home Secretary.

He mentioned that joint mobile teams, special operation groups, and anti-extortion units have been constituted across districts to combat criminal activities and restore public trust.

Stressing that the recovery of illegal arms is crucial for reinstating normalcy, the Governor revealed that to date, 7,313 arms, 83,512 rounds of ammunition, and 5,195 explosives have been seized.

“The voluntary surrender of 1,078 arms early in 2025 is a sign of increasing public faith in the peace process. Furthermore, 549 offensive bunkers across hill and valley regions have been dismantled, significantly contributing to violence reduction,” he pointed out.

The Governor added that to tackle extortion, a key barrier to economic normalcy, state and district-level anti-extortion units were established alongside a 24x7 helpline, resulting in over 924 arrests.

Security forces have also undertaken extensive enforcement actions, including arrests, preventive measures, and recoveries related to illegal activities, he stated.

Bhalla highlighted that with the support of the Central government, comprehensive humanitarian measures have been put into place.

“Direct benefit transfers to violence-affected Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have commenced since November 1, 2025, replacing in-kind ration distribution to improve dignity and choice. Phased resettlement is underway under the Rs 523 crore Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package, including additional support of Rs 1.70 lakh per household for 7,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries,” he elaborated.

The Governor mentioned that first installments have been released to 6,300 families, with construction progressing in most cases.

Support has also been approved for over 2,200 partially damaged houses, while families with completely damaged homes have received immediate relief connected to verified return and resettlement, he stated.

Resettlement efforts are being closely monitored by a state-level committee led by the Chief Secretary and district-level committees under Deputy Commissioners. In addition to housing, extensive support has been provided for livelihoods, health, education, and employment.

According to the Governor, over 430 youths have undergone training through skill development programs, and livelihood assistance has reached thousands of families. Health cards have been issued to nearly 10,000 IDPs, educational support has been extended to around 7,000 students, and employment assistance has been provided through special MGNREGS job cards.

The government will continue phased resettlement with enhanced security, prolong financial assistance for another year due to livelihood constraints, rebuild community assets, facilitate supervised visits to original villages, and address the need for approximately 5,000 additional houses under PMAY-G during the 2026-27 fiscal.

Emphasizing that tackling the drug menace remains a significant focus, the Governor stated that under a zero-tolerance policy, extensive destruction of illegal poppy cultivation covering over 3,841.3 acres was conducted across multiple districts, along with notable seizures of narcotics and pharmaceutical drugs over the last three years.

Financial investigations have led to asset freezes, while demand reduction and rehabilitation efforts are being pursued through awareness programs and coordinated actions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, he added.

Modernization of policing has also received consistent attention, Bhalla noted, stating that the Cyber Crime Helpline is fully operational, a Cyber Forensic Division has been established, and CCTV surveillance has been expanded to 33 remote locations.