Imphal, March 2 – In a continued effort to curb violence in Manipur, residents across five districts have surrendered 42 more firearms along with cartridges, police confirmed on Sunday.
The latest batch of surrendered weapons came from Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Tamenglong districts on Saturday. According to officials, Bishnupur district alone accounted for five firearms, including two pistols, along with six grenades and over 75 cartridges.
In Tamenglong district, seventeen country-made guns, nine ‘pompi’ (locally made mortars), and ammunition were surrendered at Kaimai police station. Additionally, at least 10 firearms and cartridges were turned in at police stations in Yaingangpokpi, Porompat, Churachandpur, and Lamsang.
Furthermore, two illegal bunkers at Mark Hill in Kangpokpi district were dismantled by security forces. Another three bunkers were removed at Wakan hill range, spanning the Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts.
In response to public demand from both hill and valley communities, the deadline for surrendering illegal firearms was extended until 4 PM on March 6.
The government continues to push for de-escalation, urging the return of looted arms and the dismantling of militant strongholds to restore peace in the troubled northeastern state.
The latest batch of surrendered weapons came from Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Tamenglong districts on Saturday. According to officials, Bishnupur district alone accounted for five firearms, including two pistols, along with six grenades and over 75 cartridges.
In Tamenglong district, seventeen country-made guns, nine ‘pompi’ (locally made mortars), and ammunition were surrendered at Kaimai police station. Additionally, at least 10 firearms and cartridges were turned in at police stations in Yaingangpokpi, Porompat, Churachandpur, and Lamsang.
Security Forces Recover More Arms and Dismantle Bunkers
During search operations at Sairemkhul in Imphal West, security forces seized a Light Machine Gun (INSAS LMG) with a loaded magazine, an AK-56 rifle, three Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), an SMG 9mm carbine, a .303 rifle, a double-barrel gun, and multiple grenades, including a Chinese hand grenade.Furthermore, two illegal bunkers at Mark Hill in Kangpokpi district were dismantled by security forces. Another three bunkers were removed at Wakan hill range, spanning the Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts.
Surrender Deadline Extended Amid Ethnic Unrest
The firearm surrenders come in response to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s call on February 20 urging armed groups to return weapons looted from security forces and other illegally held arms within seven days. This initiative led to over 300 firearms being surrendered, primarily in valley districts.In response to public demand from both hill and valley communities, the deadline for surrendering illegal firearms was extended until 4 PM on March 6.
Ongoing Violence and President’s Rule
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. In a significant political development, the Centre imposed President’s rule in the state on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, which remains in tenure until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.The government continues to push for de-escalation, urging the return of looted arms and the dismantling of militant strongholds to restore peace in the troubled northeastern state.