Shah reviews Manipur law & order; nod for women IRB Bn

Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday informed that Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the state during a meeting held at New Delhi.
According to official sources, the Union home minister also gave his in-principle approval for the setting up of a women battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Manipur.
The review meeting came amid fresh tensions in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts following the killing of four NSCN (IM) cadres in an ambush at Hongbei village junction on March 28. Shah reportedly emphasized the need to accelerate the peace process and strengthen harmony among all communities.
Expressing gratitude, the chief minister said the raising of a Mahila IRB Battalion would enhance the state’s capacity in maintaining law and order and ensuring internal security. A detailed proposal will be submitted soon, he added.
The chief minister’s office stated that the meeting with Shah took place at Parliament House complex around 11:30 am. Singh had rushed to the national capital the previous evening after being asked to do so.
Meanwhile, sources said the chief minister plans to visit Jiribam district on April 4 along with MLAs to follow up on assurances given to different communities during his earlier visit. Singh had previously visited Jiribam on February 11, shortly after taking oath on February 4, where he interacted with leaders of Kuki, Zomi and Hmar communities, visited relief camps, and assured development of road connectivity.
He had also pledged to revisit the district after the Yaoshang festival, which concluded on March 7, as part of his peace-building initiative.