IMPHAL: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has issued a seven-day ultimatum to individuals to surrender stolen and illegal arms and urged them to surrender the weapons at the nearest police outpost, security forces camp, or police station.
This directive was issued following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation, which is a big step towards establishing law and order in the state.
In his formal announcement, Governor Bhalla pledged that nothing would be done to those who voluntarily surrender weapons within the given timeframe. He also emphasized cooperation from everyone, particularly the youth, to maintain peace and stability.
His appeal emphasized bringing hostilities to an end and collectively achieving the rebuilding of a peaceful society.
"In the greater interest of the restoration of normalcy, all communities must come forward for the cessation of hostilities and to maintain peace and order in society," the notice stated. The message of the governor stressed the need for collective responsibility to end the current turmoil.
Governor Bhalla also reasserted the government's determination to put an end to the crisis through peaceful means. He called for reconciliation efforts among people and urged them, "Let us rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace." His call for oneness is in line with a bigger agenda to patch things up and create long-term peace in the area.
The Manipur crisis began on May 3, 2023, following violent ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki-Zo community and the non-tribal Meitei community.
The conflict has claimed 250 lives and displaced around 60,000 others, worsening the humanitarian crisis. With the new order by the governor, the administration is looking to make significant strides toward normalcy and security in the crisis-stricken state.
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