Top Army officers briefed Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on the state’s security and preparations for Durand Cup 2025. The meeting highlighted military coordination, peace-building efforts, and sports promotion in the region, with Imphal set to host key matches of the historic football tournament from July 30 to August 12.
Top Army officials met with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday to discuss the prevailing security situation in the state and the broader northeastern region. The high-level meeting took place at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, and is part of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with civil administration in the wake of continued tensions and instability in the region.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9. Since then, the state has seen enhanced coordination between military, paramilitary, and civil authorities to maintain law and order and address insurgent threats.
Present at the briefing were key military leaders including Lt. Gen. Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command; Lt. Gen. Abhijit S Pendharkar, GOC of Spear Corps; and Maj. Gen. Ravroop Singh, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South). The top brass reviewed the current situation and laid out strategies for maintaining stability across volatile zones in Manipur and neighbouring states.
According to a Raj Bhavan official, the Governor was briefed in detail on the operational status, intelligence coordination, and humanitarian efforts being undertaken by the armed forces in the region. The meeting also touched upon sensitive areas where community unrest and ethnic strife continue to pose challenges to peace and governance.
Apart from the security update, preparations for the prestigious Durand Cup 2025 were also high on the agenda. Lt. Gen. Tiwari briefed the Governor about the Indian Army’s extensive logistical and security arrangements for the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament, which is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 23 across five Indian cities: Imphal, Shillong, Kokrajhar, Kolkata, and Jamshedpur.
In Imphal, six group-stage matches will be held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium between July 30 and August 12. The inclusion of Manipur as a host city once again is being seen as a reaffirmation of the state’s passion for sports and the Indian Army’s commitment to youth engagement through athletic initiatives.
Earlier on July 10, Governor Bhalla addressed the trophy showcase ceremony of the Durand Cup held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. The event witnessed the unveiling of the three historic trophies – the Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy. These trophies had toured various symbolic locations across Manipur, including Sendra, Moirang, Bishnupur, Manipur University, Kangla, and the Chingmeirong War Cemetery, before arriving in Imphal.
Speaking at the event, Governor Bhalla praised the Indian Army’s enduring role in promoting sports and fostering national integration. Highlighting Manipur’s legacy as a sporting powerhouse, he said that hosting the Durand Cup again underlines the state’s deep-rooted love for football.
“Manipur has always had a strong connection with sports, and events like the Durand Cup provide a platform for our youth to dream, aspire, and achieve,” the Governor said. “I am confident that this tournament will inspire a new generation of athletes in the region.”
The Governor also acknowledged the joint efforts of the civil administration and the military in ensuring that the tournament is conducted smoothly and safely. His remarks underscored the synergy between civilian and security institutions in rebuilding trust and normalcy in the state.
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With military and civil officials working closely to ensure security and successful event planning, the dual focus on peace and progress reflects a critical balance being pursued in Manipur—one that addresses both immediate security concerns and the long-term goal of community development through youth and sports initiatives.
