Imphal, February 26: A total of 87 firearms and ammunition were voluntarily surrendered to security forces across seven districts in Manipur, police confirmed on Wednesday. This development comes in response to an appeal from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urging warring factions to lay down arms within a stipulated deadline.
The highest number of weapons were surrendered in Imphal West, where security forces received 12 carbine machine guns with magazines, two .303 rifles, two self-loading rifles (SLRs), four 12-bore single-barrel guns, and an improvised explosive device (IED).
In Jiribam district, the surrendered cache included five 12-bore double-barrel guns, one 9mm carbine with a magazine, and a grenade.
Meanwhile, Kangpokpi district saw the surrender of an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, a .303 rifle, a Smith & Wesson revolver, a .22 pistol with a magazine, a single-barrel rifle, and grenades.
Other districts where weapons were surrendered include Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Churachandpur.
The voluntary disarmament follows an appeal made by Governor Bhalla on February 20, wherein he assured that those surrendering looted or illegally held weapons would face no punitive action. However, the deadline expired on Sunday, after which Chief Secretary PK Singh stated that security forces would take action against those still in possession of illegal firearms.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has resulted in over 250 deaths and left thousands homeless. In light of the deteriorating situation, the central government imposed President’s Rule on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly, which was set to serve until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
The recent surrender of arms is seen as a significant step toward stabilizing the conflict-ridden region, with security forces now expected to intensify action against those still holding illegal weapons.
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