Manipur Witnesses Voluntary Surrender of Arms Amid Security Crackdown

Imphal- Arms and ammunition are being voluntarily surrendered across Manipur’s hills and valley regions, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal for the return of looted and illegally held weapons.

On Tuesday morning, security forces in Imphal received a cache of surrendered arms, including 12 CMG guns, 2 .303 rifles, 2 SLR rifles, 4 SBBL rifles, along with multiple magazines, an IED, and live ammunition. Officials displayed the surrendered weapons to the media, emphasizing the public’s compliance with the directive.

With two days left before the deadline, more than 30 looted weapons have already been turned in across various districts. Governor Bhalla, on February 20, assured that no punitive action would be taken against individuals who voluntarily surrender arms within the designated period.

Manipur Chief Secretary PK Singh reiterated on Sunday that the seven-day window was sufficient for compliance, warning that security forces would take action to recover arms once the period ends.

The state has been grappling with Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and thousands displaced. The Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, placing the state assembly under suspended animation, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation.