Following the installation of a new popular government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh after the revocation of President’s Rule, the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced today with an address by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The house was adjourned for one hour after the governor’s speech. The Governor’s speech focused largely on the government’s response to the prolonged crisis in the state, outlining security, humanitarian, rehabilitation, and law-enforcement initiatives undertaken to restore normalcy.
In his address, Governor Bhalla stated that maintaining law and order remains the foremost priority of the government. He said coordinated efforts between the Centre and the state, involving security forces, civil administration, and local institutions, have led to gradual improvement in the overall security situation. According to the Governor, intelligence-led operations, area domination exercises, and coordinated search operations have been carried out across vulnerable districts, supported by a unified security architecture at both state and district levels.
The Governor informed the House that to stabilise sensitive and violence-prone areas, a significant deployment of security forces has been made. A total of 172 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, along with personnel from the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and the Army, have been deployed to protect vulnerable habitations, national highways, vital installations, and farming areas. He added that joint mobile teams, special operation groups, and anti-extortion units have been constituted across districts, resulting in more than 924 arrests in cases related to extortion.
Highlighting the recovery of illegal arms as a critical component of restoring peace, Governor Bhalla said large-scale operations were conducted to retrieve weapons and dismantle armed infrastructure. He reported that 7,313 arms, over 83,000 rounds of ammunition, and 5,195 explosives were recovered during these operations. In addition, 549 offensive bunkers constructed in both hill and valley areas were dismantled. The voluntary surrender of 1,078 arms in early 2025 was described by the Governor as a positive indicator of growing public trust in the restoration process.
Turning to humanitarian measures, the Governor said that the government has taken steps to address the needs of internally displaced persons affected by the violence. Direct Benefit Transfer to displaced families commenced from November 1, 2025, to ensure timely financial assistance. He informed the Assembly that phased resettlement has begun under a ¹ 523 crore rehabilitation package approved for the purpose. Financial assistance has already been released to more than 6,300 families, covering housing support, livelihood assistance, healthcare services, educational aid, and employment opportunities through schemes such as MGNREGA.
The Governor further stated that the government has set a target to resettle more than 10,000 internally displaced households, comprising over 40,000 individuals, by March 2026. He said the resettlement process is being carried out with enhanced security arrangements to ensure the safety and dignity of returning families. Continued financial support and monitoring mechanisms are also being put in place to facilitate sustainable rehabilitation.
Addressing the issue of narcotics, Governor Bhalla reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs. He said large-scale destruction of illegal poppy cultivation has been undertaken as part of a sustained campaign against the narco-economy, which has been identified as a contributing factor to instability in the state. Intensified enforcement actions against drug networks, he added, have contributed to improved law and order conditions in several areas.
The Governor’s address marked the first Assembly session following the formation of the new government, setting the tone for legislative business amid continued efforts to stabilise Manipur. The speech underscored the government’s stated commitment to restoring peace, ensuring the rule of law, and addressing the humanitarian consequences of the crisis through coordinated security and rehabilitation measures.