Manipur: 33 Arms Surrendered Across Districts As Deadline Extension Nears End

IMPHAL: The public has voluntarily surrendered thirty-three arms and ammunition in five districts in conflict-torn Manipur, police said on Tuesday. Arms were surrendered in Churachandpur, Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur districts, a senior officer said.

Notably, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has recently extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 PM on March 6, following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for additional time. Bhalla on February 20 urged the people of the state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, ensuring that no disciplinary action would be initiated against individuals who surrendered arms within this time.

Chief Secretary PK Singh also stated that the seven-day period for voluntarily surrendering weapons is sufficient if one wishes to give up arms and asserted that the forces would take action after the expiry of the period to recover such guns. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The Centre had imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post, causing political turmoil in the northeastern state. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

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